Removable covering and interactive packaging

ABSTRACT

A removable covering for an object includes an adhered section that is adhered to the object (e.g., adhered to a receiving surface of the object via an adhesive layer) and a free section that is not adhered to the object. The removable covering is sufficiently flexible to allow at least partial removal of the adhered section from the object by application of a force to the removable covering. Typically, the removable covering is adhered to the object such that resistance to removal of the covering from the object varies at different zones of attachment between the removable covering and the object. The resistance variation may be achieved, for example, by employing tabs, loops, folds, varying-strength adhesive strips, textures and/or release coatings. Exemplary packaging systems (e.g., containing removable coverings and/or objects) include features such that resistance to removal of the packaging system from an object varies at different phases of removal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of International Application No.PCT/US12/61033 for a Removable Covering and Interactive Packaging filedOct. 19, 2012 (and published Apr. 25, 2013 as WIPO Publication No. WO2013/059600), which claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No.61/549,317 for a Protective Covering for Adhesive Backed Articles andMethods of Applying the Same (filed Oct. 20, 2011), U.S. PatentApplication No. 61/561,522 for a Protective Packaging for AdhesiveBacked Articles (filed Nov. 18, 2011), and U.S. Patent Application No.61/654,748 for a Removable Covering and Interactive Packaging (filedJun. 1, 2012). Each of the foregoing patent applications and patentpublication is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of protective layers (e.g., bandages,thin films, sheets, tapes) that are placed over another object,including the human body, and adhered thereto, at least temporarily, viaan adhesive.

BACKGROUND

In manufacturing, construction, medicine and other fields there is afrequent requirement to provide a protective barrier on the surface ofan object in order to prevent damage or trauma, exposure (e.g., to airto prevent oxidation), contamination (e.g., by infectious agents orhand-borne contaminants), or premature interaction (e.g., adhesion to anunintended object or with undesired alignment). In addition protectivebarriers can help to align, fix, adhere, or otherwise control aninterface between two surfaces. Examples would include the applicationof laminates or veneers to cover a base structure, tiles or insulationlayers to a building feature, a protective layer over sensitiveelectronic components, or in the application of elastic bandages. Aremovable covering may itself bear an adhesive layer as a means oftemporary fixation to a non-adhesive bearing device. In applicationswhere the protected object itself exhibits an adhesive layer that isintended to adhere the object to another surface, the removable coveringis placed over the adhesive layer and is removed as part of theapplication process. Generally the adherent object must be turned androtated out of its intended application orientation in order for thecovering to be removed. The subsequent need to align the unprotectedadhesive surface may lead to mal-position or misapplication. The processof covering exposure for removal can impede effective placement and/oralignment of the surfaces to be adhered. Several examples can illustratethe potential problems with such a maneuver.

In the application of adhesive bandages, the undersurface (adhesivesurface) of the bandage must be turned upwards so that the grasping tabsof the backing, typically near the center (pad) of the bandage, can beaccessed or visualized. As the covering is removed, the bandage mustthen be again rotated 180 degrees so that the undersurface can beapplied to the skin, and during this reorientation an inadvertentadhesion of one portion of the bandage to another can occur, thuspotentially making the bandage unusable. If, during the course ofapplication, the covering is initially only partially removed, thebandage must be rotated without inadvertently removing the remainingattachments, thereby again potentially allowing elements of the bandageto adhere to other parts of the bandage and making the bandage unusable,or by potentially contaminating the bandage. If the covering is totallyremoved prior to application, this requires that the adhesive surfacesbe grasped by the fingers and risks contamination of the central pad ofthe bandage or poor adherence of the adhesive zone that has beenpreviously grasped prior to attachment to the wound site. Grasping andreleasing the bandage at the adhesive surface is particularly difficultwhen the user is wearing gloves. If the user wishes to apply the bandageunder tension so as to create an elastic force within the bandage priorto application, this requires the entire bandage covering to be removedand the adhesive surfaces to be grasped with the users hands, againpotentially affecting sterility or adherence of the device. In addition,removal of the covering can be a challenge for patients with limiteddexterity, for example in the case in the case of severe arthritis orwhere one hand may have poor function due to injury. In such instances,removal of the bandage packaging represents an additional step inpreparing and positioning the bandage.

Another example representing the potential issues involved when removinga covering can be illustrated in the adherence of decorative coveringsor devices to a flat surface, whether these coverings be stiff (e.g.,veneers) or flexible (e.g., elastic or woven sheets). When thedecorative coverings or devices are stiff, the adhesive layer on thedecorative covering or device must be exposed without adherent surfacesbeing already in alignment, as the devices to be adhered to each other(e.g., a decorative covering and a surface) are brought into proximityit is very easy to have the surfaces inadvertently adhere in amalaligned orientation. In this instance, removal and repositioning ofthe decorative covering or device is necessitated, and in instanceswhere the strength of the adhesion is great due to either large adhesedsurface areas or to the inherent strength of the adhesive, this may leadto damage to either or both of the adhesed surfaces. If the decorativecovering is flexible this same issue of alignment after covering removalis encountered, and in addition folds can be created during the courseof application that may not be correctable, an damage to either of theadhesed surfaces can occur.

While many other examples exist, it is seen that a covering or coveringdevice (e.g., a protective covering) that can assist in the alignmentand placement of one device to be adhered to another surface isdesirable. Similarly, combining such a covering device and integratedpackaging can help control the position, orientation, application, anduse of devices without direct manipulation of the device itself and canassist in removal of the backing. In both these types of uses, ifpackaging devices are configured to function as either an integral partof a covering device or to facilitate application of said coveringdevice, this may lead to reduced materials and waste and improved easeof use.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present invention embraces a substantially planarremovable covering for an object. The removable covering typicallyincludes a first free section that is not adhered to the object, a firstadhered section that is adhered to the object, and a second adheredsection that is adhered to the object. The first adhered section and thesecond adhered section may be connected to opposite ends of the firstfree section. The removable covering is typically sufficiently flexibleto allow at least partial removal of the first adhered section from theobject by application of a force to the removable covering.

In an exemplary embodiment, the force required to remove the removablecovering from the object varies at different zones of attachment betweenthe removable covering and the object.

In another exemplary embodiment, the removable covering is adhered tothe object such that resistance to removal of the removable coveringfrom the object varies at different zones of attachment between theremovable covering and the object.

In another aspect, the present invention embraces a substantially planarremovable cover for an object that includes a first adhered section thatis adhered to the object, a tab section that is not adhered to theobject, a first free section that is not adhered to the object, and asecond free section that is not adhered to the object. Typically, thefirst free section and the second free section are connected to oppositeends of the first adhered section and the same end of the tab section.The removable covering is typically sufficiently flexible to allow atleast partial removal of the first adhered section from the object byapplication of a force to the removable covering.

In an exemplary embodiment, the force required to remove the removablecovering from the object varies at different zones of attachment betweenthe removable covering and the object.

In another exemplary embodiment, the removable covering is adhered tothe object such that resistance to removal of the removable coveringfrom the object varies at different zones of attachment between theremovable covering and the object.

In yet another aspect, the present invention embraces a packaging systemfor an object and a removable covering that interacts with the removablecovering (e.g., via adhesive layers or a constriction mechanism) tofacilitate the application of the object. Typically, the packagingsystem may be removed from the object by applying forces in oppositedirections to opposite ends of the packaging system.

In an exemplary embodiment, the packaging system interacts with theremovable covering such that the removable covering is removed from theobject at the same time the packaging system is removed from the object.

In another exemplary embodiment, the packaging system includes visibledesign elements that are related in such a way as to convey a story asthe packaging system is removed from the object.

In another exemplary embodiment, the packaging system includes visibledesign elements that present a message or information as the packagingsystem is removed from the object.

The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplaryobjectives and/or advantages of the invention, and the manner in whichthe same are accomplished, are further explained within the followingdetailed description and its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable covering andobject.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable covering andobject.

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering andobject of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering andobject of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering andobject of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering andobject of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 7 graphically depicts the application force or resistance necessaryto remove the exemplary removable covering of FIGS. 1 and 2 from theobject as a function of time.

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable coveringand object of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable coveringand object of FIGS. 1 and 2 in the same phase of removal as shown inFIG. 4.

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable coveringand object of FIGS. 1 and 2 in the same phase of removal as shown inFIG. 6.

FIG. 11 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable covering andobject.

FIG. 12 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering andobject of FIG. 11 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 13 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering andobject of FIG. 11 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 14 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering andobject of FIG. 11 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 15 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering andobject of FIG. 11 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 16 graphically depicts the application force or resistancenecessary to remove the exemplary removable covering of FIG. 11 from theobject as a function of time.

FIG. 17 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable coveringand object of FIG. 11.

FIG. 18 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable coveringand object of FIG. 11 in the same phase of removal as shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 19 depicts a side view of two exemplary removable coverings andobject.

FIG. 20 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable coverings andobject of FIG. 19 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 21 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable coverings andobject of FIG. 19 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 22 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable coverings andobject of FIG. 19 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 23 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable covering andobject.

FIG. 24 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering andobject of FIG. 23 and an exemplary packaging system.

FIG. 25 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering, object,and packaging system of FIG. 24 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 26 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering, object,and packaging system of FIG. 24 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 27 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary packaging system,removable covering, and object.

FIG. 28 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary packaging system,removable covering, and object in a phase of removal.

FIG. 29 depicts a side view of an exemplary packaging system, removablecovering, and object.

FIG. 30 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering, object,and packaging system of FIG. 29 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 31 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering, object,and packaging system of FIG. 29 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 32 depicts a side view of an exemplary packaging system, removablecovering, and object.

FIG. 33 depicts a side view of an exemplary packaging system, removablecovering, and object.

FIG. 34 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary object, adhesivelayer, and removable covering.

FIG. 35 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable covering andobject.

FIG. 36 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering andobject of FIG. 35 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 37 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering andobject of FIG. 35 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 38 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering andobject of FIG. 35 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 39 graphically depicts the application force or resistancenecessary to remove the exemplary removable covering of FIG. 35 from theobject as a function of time.

FIG. 40 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable covering andobject.

FIG. 41 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering of FIG.40 positioned on the object.

FIG. 42 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable covering andobject.

FIG. 43 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering andobject of FIG. 42 in a phase of application.

FIG. 44 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering andobject of FIG. 42 in a phase of application.

FIG. 45 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering andobject of FIG. 42 as applied to a surface.

FIG. 46 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable covering andobject.

FIG. 47 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering andobject of FIG. 46 in a phase of folding.

FIG. 48 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering andobject of FIG. 46 in a phase of folding.

FIG. 49 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering andobject of FIG. 46 as folded and within an exemplary packaging system.

FIG. 50 depicts a side view of two exemplary removable coverings and anobject.

FIG. 51 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering andobject depicted on the left side of FIG. 50.

FIG. 52 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering andobject depicted on the left side of FIG. 50 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 53 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering andobject depicted on the right side of FIG. 50.

FIG. 54 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering andobject depicted on the right side of FIG. 50 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 55 depicts a side view of an exemplary packaging system, removablecovering, and object.

FIG. 56 depicts a side view of the exemplary packaging system, removablecovering, and object of FIG. 55 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 57 depicts a side view of the exemplary packaging system, removablecovering, and object of FIG. 55 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 58 depicts a side view of the exemplary packaging system, removablecovering, and object of FIG. 55 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 59 a perspective view of an exemplary object, adhesive layer, andtwo exemplary removable coverings.

FIG. 60 graphically depicts the force required to remove the left-sideremovable coverings of FIGS. 59 and 61 and the right-side removablecovering of FIG. 61 as a function of distance from the midpoint of theadhesive layer.

FIG. 61 depicts a side view of a two exemplary removable coverings andan object.

FIG. 62 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary packaging system.

FIG. 63 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary removable coveringand/or object.

FIG. 64 graphically depicts the force required to remove the packagingsystem of FIG. 62 from the removable covering of FIG. 63 for the leftand ride sides of the removable covering of FIG. 63 as a function ofdistance from the midpoint of the packaging system.

FIG. 65 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary removable coveringand/or object within an exemplary packaging system.

FIG. 66 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary removable covering.

FIG. 67 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable coveringof FIG. 66.

FIG. 68 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable coveringof FIG. 66 in a phase of manufacturing.

FIG. 69 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable coveringof FIG. 66 in a phase of manufacturing.

FIG. 70A depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable coveringof FIG. 66 as manufactured in the phases depicted in FIGS. 67-69 and anobject.

FIG. 70B depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable coveringand object of FIG. 70A in another phase of manufacturing.

FIG. 71 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary removable covering.

FIG. 72 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable coveringof FIG. 71.

FIG. 73 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable coveringof FIG. 71 in a phase of manufacturing.

FIG. 74 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable coveringof FIG. 71 in a phase of manufacturing.

FIG. 75 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable coveringof FIG. 71 in a phase of manufacturing.

FIG. 76 depicts a perspective view of a portion of an exemplaryremovable covering.

FIG. 77 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable coveringof FIG. 76 in a phase of manufacturing.

FIG. 78 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable coveringof FIG. 76 in a phase of manufacturing.

FIG. 79 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable coveringof FIG. 76 and an object in a phase of manufacturing.

FIG. 80 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable coveringand object of FIG. 79.

FIG. 81 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable covering andobject.

FIG. 82 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering andobject of FIG. 81 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 83 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering andobject of FIG. 81 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 84 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering andobject of FIG. 81 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 85 depicts a side view of an exemplary packaging system, removablecoverings, and object.

FIG. 86 depicts a side view of an exemplary packaging system, removablecovering, and object in a phase of removal.

FIG. 87 depicts a side view of the exemplary packaging system, removablecovering, and object of FIG. 86 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 88 depicts a side view of the exemplary packaging system, removablecovering, and object of FIG. 86 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 89 depicts an overhead view of the exemplary packaging system,removable covering, and object of FIG. 86 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 90 depicts an overhead view of the exemplary packaging system,removable covering, and object of FIG. 86 in the same phase of removalas shown in FIG. 86.

FIG. 91 depicts an overhead view of the exemplary packaging system,removable covering, and object of FIG. 86 in the same phase of removalas shown in FIG. 87.

FIG. 92 depicts an overhead view of the exemplary packaging system,removable covering, and object of FIG. 86 in the same phase of removalas shown in FIG. 88.

FIG. 93 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary extension section.

FIG. 94 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary extensionsection.

FIG. 95 depicts a perspective view of two exemplary extension sectionsadhered to an object and an exemplary removable covering.

FIG. 96 depicts an exemplary two-piece extension section in a phase ofmanufacture.

FIG. 97 depicts the exemplary two-piece extension section of FIG. 96 asmanufactured.

FIG. 98 depicts another exemplary two-piece extension section in a phaseof manufacture.

FIG. 99 depicts the exemplary two-piece extension section of FIG. 98 asmanufactured.

FIG. 100 depicts another exemplary two-piece extension section in aphase of manufacture.

FIG. 101 depicts the exemplary two-piece extension section of FIG. 100as manufactured.

FIG. 102 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable covering,exemplary extension sections, and an object.

FIG. 103 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering,exemplary extension sections, and object of FIG. 102 in an exemplarypackaging system.

FIG. 104 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering,exemplary extension sections, object, and exemplary packaging system ofFIG. 103 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 105 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering,exemplary extension sections, object, and exemplary packaging system ofFIG. 103 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 106 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering,exemplary extension sections, object, and exemplary packaging system ofFIG. 103 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 107 graphically depicts the application force or resistancenecessary to remove the packaging system and exemplary removablecovering of FIG. 103 from the object as a function of time.

FIG. 108 depicts an overhead view of the exemplary removable covering,exemplary extension sections, and object of FIG. 102.

FIG. 109 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary extension section.

FIG. 110 depicts an overhead view of another exemplary extensionsection.

FIG. 111 depicts an overhead view of yet another exemplary extensionsection.

FIG. 112 depicts an overhead view of yet another exemplary extensionsection.

FIG. 113 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable covering thatincludes extension sections and an object within an exemplary packagingsystem.

FIG. 114 depicts an overhead view of the exemplary removable covering,object, and an exemplary packaging system of FIG. 113.

FIG. 115 graphically depicts the application force or resistancenecessary to remove the packaging system and exemplary removablecovering of FIG. 113 from the object as a function of time.

FIG. 116 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary packaging system ina phase of manufacture.

FIG. 117 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary packagingsystem.

FIG. 118 depicts a perspective view of yet another exemplary packagingsystem.

FIG. 119 depicts a perspective view of yet another exemplary packagingsystem.

FIG. 120 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary packaging system.

FIG. 121 depicts an overhead view of the exemplary packaging system ofFIG. 120 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 122 depicts an overhead view of the exemplary packaging system ofFIG. 120 in another phase of removal.

FIG. 123 depicts an overhead view of the exemplary packaging system ofFIG. 120 in yet another phase of removal.

FIG. 124 depicts an overhead view of another exemplary packaging system.

FIG. 125 depicts an overhead view of the exemplary packaging system ofFIG. 120 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 126 depicts an overhead view of the exemplary packaging system ofFIG. 120 in another phase of removal.

FIG. 127 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary packaging system,removable covering, and object in a phase of manufacture.

FIG. 128 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary removable covering.

FIG. 129 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable coveringof FIG. 128 and an adhesive strip in a phase of manufacture.

FIG. 130 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable coveringand adhesive strip of FIG. 129 as configured after manufacturing.

FIG. 131 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary removable coveringand an adhesive strip in a phase of manufacture.

FIG. 132 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable coveringand adhesive strip of FIG. 131 as configured after manufacturing.

FIG. 133 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary removable coveringincluding a varied adhesion zone.

FIG. 134 graphically depicts the application force or resistancenecessary to remove the exemplary removable covering of FIG. 133 from anobject as a function of time.

FIG. 135 depicts an overhead view of another exemplary removablecovering including a varied adhesion zone.

FIG. 136 graphically depicts the application force or resistancenecessary to remove the exemplary removable covering of FIG. 135 from anobject as a function of time.

FIG. 137 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary removable coveringincluding a varied adhesion zone.

FIG. 138 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable coveringof FIG. 137 in a phase of removal.

FIG. 139 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable coveringof FIG. 137 in another phase of removal.

FIG. 140 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable coveringof FIG. 137 in yet another phase of removal.

FIG. 141 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary removable coveringbefore application to an object that includes a varied adhesion zone.

FIG. 142 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable coveringof FIG. 141 as applied to the object.

FIG. 143 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable coveringof FIG. 141 in a phase of removal from the object.

FIG. 144 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable coveringof FIG. 141 in another phase of removal from the object.

FIG. 145 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary removable covering andan object.

FIG. 146 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering of FIG.145.

FIG. 147 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering of FIG.145 in a phase of removal from an object.

FIG. 148 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering of FIG.145 in a phase of removal from an object and a phase of applying theobject to a surface.

FIG. 149 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering of FIG.145 in a phase of removal from an object and a phase of applying theobject to a surface.

FIG. 150 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary removable covering andan object.

FIG. 151 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering of FIG.150.

FIG. 152 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering of FIG.150 in a phase of preparing the removable covering and object forapplication to a surface.

FIG. 153 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering of FIG.150 in a phase of preparing the removable covering and object forapplication to a surface and applying the removable covering and objectto a surface.

FIG. 154 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering of FIG.150 in a phase of applying the removable covering and object to asurface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, the present invention embraces a removable covering(e.g., a backing or backing device) for a receiving surface (e.g., anobject having an adhesive layer). The removable covering facilitates thepositioning, orientation, application, and use of the receiving surfaceas well as the removal of the removable covering.

In particular, the invention relates to removable coverings that peelaway from objects (e.g., protected devices) to expose an adhesive thatmay then be applied to a receiving surface that is covered by the objectupon application. In a particular embodiment, the invention relates tothe construction of the removable covering and the level of resistanceto peeling that the construction of the removable covering brings to theobject. The resistance to peeling may vary along the peeling path toallow for proper placement of the removable covering onto the receivingsurface before final application of the entire covering. Typically, theremovable covering comprises a material of sufficient flexibility toallow at least partial removal from a protected device or object byapplication of a peel force vector applied to a section or structuralfeature of the removable covering (e.g., backing).

As described herein, the protected devices and/or objects are typicallysubstantially planar, rectangular-shaped, and symmetrical. That said,exemplary embodiments of the present invention may include objects,removable coverings, and packaging systems that are not planar,rectangular, or symmetrical. For example, a circular-shaped object,removable covering, and/or packaging system is within the scope of thepresent invention. Furthermore, for particularly long objects (e.g.,having significantly greater lengths than widths), the removablecoverings and/or packaging systems may be removed in a directionparallel to the width of the object, rather than the length as disclosedherein.

The disclosure of this invention includes use of numerous mechanisms forchanging the resistance of the peel strength of the removable coveringattached to a protective layer to be applied to a receiving surface.Each of these mechanisms is conducive to mixing and interchanging on anygiven device. The construction of the removable covering is disclosedwith certain portions shown as a continuous layer, but such disclosureis not limiting of the invention. The invention encompasses embodimentsin which any layer comprises multiple portions. This disclosure oftenrefers to an adhesive layer from which the removable covering is peeled.The adhesive layer may peel away while remaining on the removable layer(i.e., leaving the receiving surface free of adhesive) or the removablecovering may peel away and leave the adhesive layer on the receivingsurface.

Aspects of exemplary removable coverings and packaging systems aredescribed herein with reference to numerous figures. In the description,a single side of a removable covering or packaging system may bedescribed (e.g., only the left or right side). The removable covering orpackaging system typically includes left and right sides that are mirrorimages of each other (i.e., the left and right sides have the samecomponents), unless otherwise noted. Thus, the description of a singleside of a removable covering or packaging system may be equally appliedto the other side. That said, it is within the scope of the presentinvention to employ single-sided removable coverings and/or packagingsystems.

Furthermore, aspects of exemplary removable coverings and packagingsystems are described herein with reference to phases of removal. Aswill be recognized, these phases of removal generally correspond tozones of attachment between the removable covering and the object.

FIG. 1 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable covering 1001 andan object 1003 having a receiving surface 1002. Each side (i.e., theleft and right sides) of the exemplary removable covering 1001 includesa primary tab 1004 (e.g., a central terminus or free section), a lateralfree section 1008, and a secondary tab 1007 (e.g., a lateral terminus orfree section) that are not adhered to the receiving surface 1002 of theobject 1003. The removable covering 1001 also includes a central section1005 (e.g., an adhered section) and a lateral section 1006 (e.g., anadhered section) that are adhered to the receiving surface 1002.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of another exemplary removable coveringwherein the receiving surface 1002 is an adhesive layer. In this regard,the adhesive layer 1002, which may be on the object 1003 or theremovable covering 1001, is positioned between the removable covering1001 and the object 1003. FIGS. 3-6 depict side views of the exemplaryremovable covering 1001 and object 1003 in different phases of removal,while FIG. 7 graphically depicts the application force or resistancenecessary to remove the exemplary removable covering 1001 from theobject 1003 as a function of time. In FIG. 7, “Phase 0” corresponds toFIGS. 1 and 2; “Phase 1” corresponds to FIG. 3; “Phase 1B” correspondsto FIG. 4; “Phase 2” corresponds to FIG. 5; and “Phase 3” corresponds toFIG. 6.

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable covering1001, receiving surface 1002, object 1003 of FIGS. 1 and 2 (i.e., Phase0). FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removablecovering 1001, receiving surface 1002, and object 1003 of FIGS. 1 and 2in the same phase of removal as shown in FIG. 4 (i.e., Phase 1B). FIG.10 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable covering 1001,receiving surface 1002, and object 1003 of FIGS. 1 and 2 in the samephase of removal as shown in FIG. 6 (i.e., Phase 3).

In this exemplary embodiment, Phase 0 is followed by the grasping of aprimary tab 1004 which requires the application of a midline separationforce. Phase 1 requires a force to overcome a 180 degree peel strengthresistance. Phase 1B may require a force to overcome a 180 degree peelstrength resistance (e.g., if the lateral free section 1008 is adheredto the secondary tab 1007) or no force (e.g., if the lateral freesection 1008 is not adhered to the secondary tab 1007). During Phase 2,there is a shear resistance to removal, but the secondary tab 1007 isexposed. See e.g., FIG. 5. Thus, the secondary tab 1007 may be pulledduring Phase 3 to overcome a second 180 degree peel strength resistance.

In this regard, exemplary embodiments of the present invention embrace aremovable covering so constructed and oriented that when applied to areceiving surface said removable covering exhibits a fold such thatportions of both flat surfaces of the removable covering are adhered todifferent sections of the receiving surface. A central terminus does notadhere to the receiving surface and functions as a primary tab forpeeling a central section of the removable covering from the receivingsurface at a peel angle that is between 90 and 180 degrees. Uponcompletion of the 90 to 180 degree peel with the same force vector, thepeel angle transitions to a 0 degree peel angle (shear) with a higherpeel resistance within a lateral section that is continuous with thecentral section. A second embodiment incorporates a secondary tabcontinuous with the lateral section and not adhered to the receivingsurface to allow a secondary peel angle between 90 and 180 degrees to beapplied to the lateral section.

FIG. 11 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable covering 1011 andan object 1013 having a receiving surface 1012. Each side (i.e., theleft and right sides) of the exemplary removable covering 1011 includesa primary tab 1014 (e.g., a central terminus or free section), a firstfree section 1017, a tab section 1018, and a second free section 1019that are not adhered to the receiving surface 1012 of the object 1013.The removable covering 1011 also includes a central section 1015 (e.g.,an adhered section) and a lateral section 1016 (e.g., a first adheredsection) that are adhered to the receiving surface 1012.

As shown, the first free section 1017 and second free section 1019 areconnected to opposite ends of the lateral section 1016. Additionally,the first free section 1017 and second free section 1019 are connectedto the same end of the tab section 1018. In this regard, the first freesection 1017, second free section 1019, and the later section 1016 forma loop connected to tab section 1018.

FIGS. 12-15 depict side views of the exemplary removable covering 1011and object 1013 in different phases of removal, while FIG. 16graphically depicts the application force or resistance necessary toremove the exemplary removable covering 1011 from the object 1013 as afunction of time. In FIG. 16, “Phase 0” corresponds to FIG. 11; “Phase1” corresponds to FIGS. 12 and 13; “Phase 2” corresponds to FIG. 14; and“Phase 3” corresponds to FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable covering1011, receiving surface 1012, and object 1013 of FIG. 11 (i.e., Phase0). FIG. 18 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removablecovering 1011, receiving surface 1012, and object 1013 of FIG. 1 in thesame phase of removal as shown in FIG. 14 (i.e., Phase 2).

In this exemplary embodiment, Phase 0 is followed by the grasping of aprimary tab 1014 which requires the application of a midline separationforce. Phase 1 requires a force to overcome a 180 degree peel strengthresistance. The early portion of Phase 2 (i.e., the shift from a 180degree peel strength resistance to a shear peel strength resistance)occurs after reaching the orientation shown in FIG. 14. The laterportion of Phase 2 (i.e., the shear plateau) occurs when the pullingforce is primarily lateral. During Phase 3, the loop releases from thereceiving surface 1012.

In such exemplary removable coverings including a loop, the degree oftransfer between 180 degree peel strength resistance and shear peelstrength resistance may be adjusted by varying the junction point of thetab section 1018 and the loop. For example, if the first free section1017 is closer to the outer edge of the receiving surface 1012 (i.e.,the tab section 1018 connects to the loop further from the center of thereceiving surface), the resistance to removal will shift from a 180degree peel strength resistance to a shear peel strength resistance morequickly. In other words, the slope of the force/resistance curve in theearly portion of Phase 2 in FIG. 16 will be greater (i.e., a steeperslope).

In this regard, exemplary embodiments of the present invention embrace aremovable covering so constructed and oriented that when applied to areceiving surface said removable covering exhibits a lateral sectiondefining a loop such that portions of both flat surfaces of theremovable covering are adhered to different sections of the receivingsurface. The lateral section is continuous with a central section alongthe non-adhered surface of the lateral section. The connection betweenthe lateral and central sections can be in any position along the lengthof the lateral section. A central terminus does not adhere to thereceiving surface and functions as a primary tab for peeling a centralsection of the removable covering from the receiving surface at a peelangle that is between 90 and 180 degrees. Upon completion of the 90 to180 degree peel with the same force vector, the peel angle transitionsto at least a partial 0 degree peel angle (shear) with a higher peelresistance within a lateral section that is continuous with the centralsection. With an increasing force vector and no change in direction, thepeel resistance is overcome, and the covering is removed from thereceiving surface.

FIG. 19 depicts a side view of two exemplary removable coverings 1021Aand 1021B and an object 1023 having a receiving surface 1022 and acentral feature 1025 (e.g., an absorbent pad or non-adhesive surface).The removable covering on the left 1021A includes a tab section 1028A, afirst free section 1027A, and a second free section 1029A that are notadhered to the receiving surface 1022 of the object 1023. The removablecovering on the left 1021A also includes a lateral section 1026A that isadhered to the receiving surface 1022 and covers at least a portion ofthe central feature 1025.

The removable covering on the right 1021B includes a tab section 1028B,a first free section 1027B, and a second free section 1029B that are notadhered to the receiving surface 1022 of the object 1023. The removablecovering on the right 1021B also includes a lateral section 1026B thatis adhered to the receiving surface 1022. Additionally, the removablecovering on the right 1021B includes a central tab 1024B that may beadhered to the receiving surface 1022 and covers at least a portion ofthe central feature 1025.

As shown with respect to the removable covering on the left 1021A, thefirst free section 1027A, the second free section 1029A, and the lateralsection 1026A are connected to form a loop that is further connected tothe tab section 1028A.

As shown with respect to the removable covering on the right 1021B, thefirst free section 1027B, the second free section 1029B, and the lateralsection 1026B are connected to form a loop that is further connected tothe tab section 1028B. The loop is also connected to central tab 1024B.

The tab sections 1028A and 1028B of the removable coverings 1021A and1021B are connected to their respective loops at different locations.

FIGS. 20-22 depict perspective views of the two exemplary removablecoverings 1021A and 102B in different phases of removal. As shown, theconnection point of the tab sections 1028A and 1028B of the removablecoverings 1021A and 1021B alters the removal process and changes theresistance at each of the phases of removal.

In this regard, exemplary embodiments of the present invention embrace aremovable covering wherein the length of the loop may be varied tochange the point on the lateral section at which the peel resistanceapproaches a shearing force at which point a non-adhered central section(e.g., central tab 1024B) becomes a tab for a secondary force vector toprovide a peel angle that is between 90 and 180 degrees.

FIG. 23 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable covering 1031 andan object 1033 that includes a receiving surface 1032. Each side (i.e.,the left and right sides) of the exemplary removable covering 1031 hasthe same components. The exemplary removable covering 1031 includes alateral backing section 1034 and a central backing section 1035. Thecentral backing section 1035 includes a central tab 1035A that is notadhered to the receiving surface 1032 and a first adhered section 1035Bthat is adhered to the receiving surface 1032.

The lateral backing section 1034 includes a first free section 1036, asecond free section 1038, and an attachment section 1039 that are notadhered to the receiving surface 1032. The lateral backing section 1034also includes a first adhered section 1037 that is adhered to thereceiving surface 1032. As shown, the lateral backing section 1034 wrapsaround the outer edge of the object 1033.

FIG. 24 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering 1031 andobject 1033 of FIG. 23 within an exemplary packaging system 2000. Thepackaging system 2000 includes two pieces, a left-side sleeve 2000A anda right-side sleeve 2000B, that may or may not be joined by an adhesivelayer 2001. The sleeves 2000A and 2000B each include a top side 2003Aand 2003B and a bottom side 2002A and 2002B, respectively.

The exemplary removable covering 1031 and packaging system 2000 functiontogether to facilitate placement of the object 1033 and its receivingsurface 1032. In this regard, each lateral backing section's attachmentsection 1039 (i.e., on the left and right portions of the removablecovering 1031) is typically adhered to each respective top side 2003A or2003B of the packaging system 2000. Additionally, each central backingsection's central tab 1035A (i.e., on the left and right portions of theremovable covering 1031) is typically adhered to each respective bottomside 2002A or 2002B of the packaging system 2000.

FIGS. 25 and 26 depict side views of the exemplary removable covering1031, object 1033, and packaging system 2000 of FIG. 24 in differentphases of removal. As shown in FIG. 25, when a user pulls the left andright side sleeves 2000A and 2000B away from each other the removablecovering 1031 is removed as well. Initially, there is a 180 degree peelstrength resistance as the central backing section's first adheredsection 1035B is removed from the receiving surface 1032. At some pointduring the removal process, the lateral backing section 1034 will becomefully extended (See FIG. 26) and there will be a shear peel strengthresistance. To complete the removal process, the lateral backingsection's first free section 1036 may be engaged by a force thatovercomes a 180 degree peel strength resistance.

FIG. 27 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable covering1031, object 1033, and packaging system 2000 of FIG. 24. FIG. 28 depictsa perspective view of the exemplary removable covering 1031, object1033, and packaging system 2000 in the same phase of removal as shown inFIG. 26.

FIG. 29 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable covering 1031 andobject 1033 within an exemplary packaging system 2000. The primarydifferences between the exemplary removable covering 1031 of FIG. 29 andthat of FIGS. 23-26 are the locations of attachment of the exemplaryremovable covering 1031 to (i) the object 1033 and (ii) the packagingsystem 2000. In FIG. 29, the lateral backing section's first adheredsection 1037 is adhered to the top surface of the object 1033 (e.g., viaan adhesive layer) rather than the receiving surface 1032 as in FIGS.23-26. Additionally, each lateral backing section's attachment section1039 (i.e., on the left and right portions of the removable covering1031) is adhered to each respective top side 2003A or 2003B at alocation that is closer to the central portion of the packaging system2000 than in FIGS. 23-26.

FIGS. 30-31 depict side views of the exemplary removable covering 1031,object 1033, and exemplary packaging system 2000 of FIG. 29 in differentphases of removal. As shown in FIG. 30, when a user pulls the left andright side sleeves 2000A and 2000B away from each other the removablecovering 1031 is removed as well. Initially, there is a 180 degree peelstrength resistance as the central backing section's first adheredsection 1035B is removed from the receiving surface 1032. At some pointduring the removal process, the lateral backing section 1034 will becomefully extended (See FIG. 31) and there will be a shear peel strengthresistance. To complete the removal process, the lateral backingsection's first free section 1036 may be engaged by a force thatovercomes a 180 degree peel strength resistance. As compared to FIGS.23-26, however, the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 29-31 includes afirst free section 1036 that may be engaged while the receiving surface1032 has been placed because the first free section 1036 is on top ofthe object 1033.

In this regard, exemplary embodiments of the present invention embrace aremovable covering that provides a change in resistance to coveringremoval along a force vector by means of separate, noncontiguoussections of the removable covering applied to different zones of aprimary or secondary receiving surface. By separating the packaging, theuser peels a central section at a peel angle that is between 90 and 180degrees. A lateral section applied to either a primary or secondaryreceiving surface is subject to a shear force that creates an increasedpeel resistance compared to the central section. The lateral section maybe removed via a secondary tab (e.g., a first free section) which isnon-adhered to the primary or secondary receiving surface.

The exemplary removable coverings depicted in and described with respectto FIGS. 23-31 employ free sections, adhered sections, and tabs but mayalso include loops as depicted in and described with respect to FIGS.11-22.

Furthermore, all of the exemplary removable coverings may include zonesof altered adhesive strength. For example, FIG. 32 depicts a side viewof an exemplary removable covering 1031 and object 1033 within anexemplary packaging system 2000. The exemplary removable covering 1031and packaging system 2000 of FIG. 32 are similar to those of FIGS.29-31, but the removable covering 1031 does not include a lateralbacking section. Additionally, the exemplary removable covering aincludes a central tab 1035A that is not adhered to the receivingsurface 1032 and a first adhered section 1035B that is adhered to thereceiving surface 1032, but also includes a second adhered section 1035Cand a third adhered section 1035D. The second adhered section 1035C isadhered to an extra adhesive layer 1040 that is adhered to the receivingsurface 1032. The third adhered section 1035D is adhered to thereceiving surface 1032. The second adhered section 1035C and extraadhesive layer 1040 increase the peel strength resistance duringremoval. The third adhered section 1035D provides a reduction in peelstrength resistance at the last phase of removal.

The extra adhesive layer 1040 may be part of the removable covering 1031or the receiving surface 1032. Alternatively, rather than having anextra adhesive layer 1040 at the shown position, a different strengthadhesive could be used at the shown position to increase or decreasepeel strength resistance.

As shown in FIG. 32, a central adhesive layer 2005 may adhere the leftand right sides of the removable covering 1031 to each other. Thecentral adhesive layer 2005 may provide increased protection againstcontamination of or damage to the receiving surface 1032 (e.g., anadhesive layer).

FIG. 33 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable covering 1031 andobject 1033 within an exemplary packaging system 2000. The exemplaryremovable covering 1031 of FIG. 33 is similar to that of FIG. 32, butthe removable covering 1031 does not include a third adhered section1035D at the outer edge of the receiving surface. In this regard, thesecond adhered section 1035C and extra adhesive layer 1040 increase thepeel strength resistance during removal during the last phase ofremoval.

In this regard, exemplary embodiments of the present invention embrace aremovable covering that provides a change in resistance to coveringremoval along a force vector by means of a change in adhesive strengthbetween the removable covering and the receiving surface to which it isattached. The adhesive strength may be adjusted in zones of variedadhesive strength.

FIG. 34 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary object 1003, adhesivelayer 1002, and two exemplary removable coverings 1001A and 1001B. Theexemplary removable coverings 1001A and 1001B each include a primary tab1004 (e.g., a central terminus or free section) and a central section1005.

Legend 3001 shows a pattern identifying an area of low peel strengthresistance. Legend 3002 shows a pattern identifying an area of mediumpeel strength resistance. Legend 3003 shows a pattern identifying anarea of high peel strength resistance. These peel strength resistancesmay be achieved by varying the texture or surface of the centralsection's side that faces the adhesive layer 1002.

Accordingly, as the removable covering 1001A is removed by pulling theprimary tab 1004, initially there is a low peel strength resistance,followed by a medium peel strength resistance, and finally a high peelstrength resistance. In other words, it requires an increasingly greaterforce to remove the removable covering 1001A during the removal process.

As the removable covering 1001B is removed by pulling the primary tab1004, initially there is a high peel strength resistance, followed by alow peel strength resistance, then a medium peel strength resistance,then a high peel strength resistance, and finally a low peel strengthresistance.

In this regard, exemplary embodiments of the present invention embrace acovering that provides a change in resistance to covering removal alonga force vector by means of a change the surface texture characteristicsof the removable covering along zones at which it is attached to thereceiving surface. Typically, zones of more coarse texture are lessadherent, and smoother zones are more adherent.

FIG. 35 depicts an exemplary removable covering 1041 and object 1043that includes a receiving surface 1042 (e.g., an adhesive layer). Theremovable covering 1041 includes a primary tab 1044 (e.g., a centralterminus or free section), a first free section 1046, and a second freesection 1048 (e.g., a secondary tab) that are not adhered to thereceiving surface 1042 or the object 1043. The removable covering 1041also includes a first adhered section 1045 (e.g., a lateral section)that is adhered to the receiving surface 1042 and a second adheredsection 1047 that is adhered to the top surface of the object 1043(e.g., via an adhesive layer 1050.

FIGS. 36-38 depict side views of the exemplary removable covering 1041and object 1043 in different phases of removal, while FIG. 39graphically depicts the application force or resistance necessary toremove the exemplary removable covering 1041 from the object 1043 as afunction of time. In FIG. 39, “Phase 0” corresponds to FIG. 35; “Phase1” corresponds to FIG. 36; “Phase 2” corresponds to FIG. 37; and “Phase3” corresponds to FIG. 38.

In this regard, exemplary embodiments of the present invention embrace aremovable covering that provides a change in resistance to coveringremoval along a force vector by means of an extension that interfaceswith more than one surface of the attached receiving surface. A centralsection includes a tab that is non-adhered and is available for peelingthe central section at a peel angle between 90 and 180 degrees. Alateral section is contiguous with the central section and is adhered toa secondary receiving surface exhibiting a shear resistance to the sameforce vector that peeled the central section. The lateral section mayexhibit a secondary tab that is non-adhered to the secondary receivingsurface such that the lateral section peels at an angle between 90 and180 degrees.

FIG. 40 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable covering 1051 andobject 1053, and FIG. 41 depicts a side view of the exemplary removablecovering 1051 of FIG. 40 positioned on the object 1053. The object 1053includes a receiving surface 1052 (e.g., an adhesive layer). Each side(i.e., the left and right sides) of the exemplary removable covering1051 has the same components. The removable covering 1051 includes alateral backing section 1054 and a central backing section 1055. Thecentral backing section 1055 includes a central tab 1055A that is notadhered to the receiving surface 1052 and a first adhered section 1055Bthat is adhered to the receiving surface 1052.

The lateral backing section 1054 includes a first free section 1056(e.g., a secondary tab) and a second free section 1058 that are notadhered to the receiving surface 1052. The lateral backing section 1054also includes a first adhered section 1057 that is adhered to thecentral backing section's first adhered section 1055B (e.g., via anadhesive layer 1050) and a second adhered section 1059 that is adheredto the top surface of the object 1053 (e.g., via an adhesive layer1050). As shown, the lateral backing section 1054 wraps around the outeredge of the object 1053.

FIG. 42 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable covering 1061 andobject 1063. Each side (i.e., the left and right sides) of the exemplaryremovable covering 1061 has the same components. The exemplary removablecovering 1061 includes an adhesive layer 1060. The exemplary removablecovering 1061 also includes a first adhered section 1066, a secondadhered section 1067, and a third adhered section 1068 that adhere tothe object 1063 via adhesive layer 1060. See FIG. 44. Additionally, theexemplary removable covering 1061 includes a first free section 1065 anda second free section 1069. As shown in FIG. 43, the first free section1065 and second free section 1069 may be folded or wrapped onto adhesivelayer 1060 to create tabs. By folding the first free section 1065 andsecond free section 1069 onto adhesive layer 1060, when the exemplaryremovable covering 1061 is applied to the object 1063, the first freesection 1065 and second free section 1069 are not adhered to the object1063. See FIG. 44. As shown in FIG. 44 the removable covering 1061 mayprotect the object 1063 until it needs to be placed on a surface.

For example, FIG. 45 depicts a side view of the exemplary removablecovering 1061 and object 1063 of FIGS. 42-44 as applied to a surface1062. Starting with the configuration shown in FIG. 44, the first freesection 1065 of the left and right sides of the removable covering 1061may be grasped and pulled to remove the first adhered section 1066 fromthe bottom surface of the object 1063. The bottom surface of the object1063 may then be placed on the surface 1062. To hold down or secure theobject 1063 to the surface 1062 (e.g., to allow an adhesive, such asglue or cement, to dry or harden), the first adhered section 1066 may beadhered to the portion of the surface 1062 adjacent to the object 1063(e.g., via adhesive layer 1060).

In exemplary embodiments, the removable covering 1061 may includemarkings (e.g., grid lines, guidelines, and/or alignment markings) thatfacilitate application or placement of the object 1603 on the surface1062. The markings may be printed on the outer surface of the removablecovering 1061 (i.e., the surface that does not face the object 1063).Although described with respect to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 45,such markings may be included on any of the exemplary removablecoverings and/or objects disclosed herein. Typically, the markings areprinted on a surface of the removable covering that is visible fromabove the removable covering during the removal process. In this regard,the markings may facilitate a user's alignment of the removable coveringand/or object on a surface during the removal process by providingvisual guidance.

Thus, exemplary embodiments of the present invention embrace a removablecovering that includes a lateral section and a central section that maybe made of one or more than one components. As shown, when the centralsection of the removable covering (over the primary receiving surface)includes a respective adhesive layer, that same adhesive layer (removedwith a 90 to 180 degree peel) may be re-adhered to a third receivingsurface.

FIG. 46 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable covering 1071 andobject 1073 that includes a receiving surface 1072 (e.g., an adhesivelayer) and a central pad 1070. Each side (i.e., the left and rightsides) of the exemplary removable covering 1071 has the same components.The removable covering 1071 includes a lateral backing section 1074 anda central backing section 1075. The central backing section 1075includes a central tab 1075A that is not adhered to the receivingsurface 1072 and a first adhered section 1075B that is adhered to thereceiving surface 1072. The lateral backing section 1074 includes afirst free section 1076 (e.g., a secondary tab) and a second freesection 1078 that are not adhered to the receiving surface 1072. Thedepicted first free section 1076 is formed of a section folded on itselfand joined by an adhesive layer. The lateral backing section 1074 alsoincludes a first adhered section 1077 that is adhered to the centralbacking section's first adhered section 1075B (e.g., via an adhesivelayer) and a second adhered section 1079 that is adhered to the topsurface of the object 1073 (e.g., via an adhesive layer). As shown, thelateral backing section 1074 wraps around the outer edge of the object1073.

FIG. 47 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering 1071 andobject 1073 of FIG. 46 in a phase of folding. In particular, the firstfree section 1076 (e.g., a secondary tab) has been folded onto the topsurface of the second adhered section 1079. Additionally, the left andright central tab 1075A has been folded onto the bottom or outer surfaceof the first adhered section 1075B.

FIG. 48 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering 1071 andobject 1073 of FIG. 46 in a further phase of folding. In particular, theright side of the removable covering 1071 and object 1073 have beenfolded upward around a folding axis located approximately at the rightedge of the pad 1070 such that the first free section 1076 is over thecentral portion of the object 1073.

FIG. 49 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering 1071 andobject 1073 of FIG. 46 in a further phase of folding and within anexemplary packaging system 2000. In particular, the left side of theremovable covering 1071 and object 1073 have been folded upward around afolding axis located approximately at the left edge of the pad 1070 suchthat the first free section 1076 is over (i) the right side of theremovable covering 1071 and (ii) the central portion of the object 1073.In other exemplary embodiments, the left side of the removable covering1071 and object 1073 may be folded before the right side of theremovable covering 1071 and object 1073. The folded removable covering1071 and object 1073 are within the packaging system 2000.

The packaging system 2000 includes two pieces, a left-side sleeve 2000Aand a right-side sleeve 2000B, that may or may not be joined by anadhesive layer 2001. The sleeves 2000A and 2000B each include a top side2003A and 2003B and a bottom side 2002A and 2002B, respectively.

The exemplary removable covering 1071 and packaging system 2000 functiontogether to facilitate placement of the object 1073 and its receivingsurface 1072. In this regard, each central backing section's central tab1075A (i.e., on the left and right portions of the removable covering1071) is typically adhered to each respective bottom side 2002A or 2002Bof the packaging system 2000. When a user pulls the left and right sidesleeves 2000A and 2000B away from each other the removable covering'scentral backing section 1075 is at least partially removed as well.Additionally, natural spring tension unfolds the left and right sides ofthe removable covering 1071 and object 1073 as the top sides 2003A and2003B move apart. After the object 1073 and is receiving surface 1072are placed, the first free section 1076 of each side may be engaged toremove the lateral backing section 1074 and the removable covering 1071.

In this regard, exemplary embodiments of the present invention embrace aremovable covering that provides a change in resistance to removal alonga force vector by a variety of mechanisms may be attached to a receivingsurface along a flexible object and surrounded by a connected packaging.The flexible object and the removable covering may be folded for smallerpackage dimensions and materials. Removal of the integrated packagingsimultaneously unfolds the flexible object and removes the covering bypeeling as noted above. Any mechanism that increases the peel resistanceis available for integration into this embodiment.

FIG. 50 depicts a side view of two exemplary removable coverings 1101Aand 1101B and an object 1103 having a receiving surface 1102 (e.g., anadhesive layer). As shown, exemplary removable coverings in accordancewith the present invention may adhere to the top of an object 1103(e.g., via an adhesive layer 1000) as does the exemplary removablecovering 1101A on the left or to the bottom of an object 1103 (e.g.,when the receiving surface 1102 is an adhesive layer or via an adhesivelayer) as does the exemplary removable covering 1101B on the right. Asshown, the exemplary removable coverings 1101A and 1101B each include afirst free section 1104A and 1104B, respectively, that are not adheredto the object 1103 or receiving surface 1102. The exemplary removablecoverings 1101A and 1101B also each include a first adhered section1105A and 1105B, respectively, which are adhered to the object 1103 andthe receiving surface 1102, respectively. By altering the adhesionlocation (i.e., top or bottom of the object) in relation to the relativeelastic quality of the removable covering or the relative elasticity ofthe object, the release mechanism of the removable covering may becontrolled.

For example, FIGS. 51 and 52 depict an exemplary removable covering 1081that is less elastic (i.e., less flexible, less expandable, and/or morerigid) than the object 1083 and its adhesive layer 1082. The exemplaryremovable covering 1081 includes a first free section 1084 that is notadhered to the object 1083 and a first adhered section 1085 that isadhered to the bottom surface (i.e., receiving surface 1102) of theobject 1083.

In FIG. 52, a tension is applied to the first free section 1084. Becausethe object 1083 and its adhesive layer 1082 are more elastic (i.e., moreflexible, more expandable, and/or less rigid) than the removablecovering 1081, they deform. The combination of this deformation and thedifference in elasticity causes the free end of the first adheredsection 1085 (i.e., the end opposite the connection to the first freesection 1084 or the left end as depicted) to release from the adhesivelayer 1082 before the rest of the first adhered section 1085. In otherwords, the shear pull strength resistance from the adhesive layer 1082is first overcome at the portion of the removable covering 1081 that isfurthest from the location at which the removal force is applied (i.e.,at the free end of the first free section 1084). Typically, the adhesivelayer 1082 remains on the object 1083 after removal in this exemplaryembodiment.

As another example, FIGS. 53 and 54 depict an exemplary removablecovering that is more elastic (i.e., more flexible, more expandable,and/or less rigid) than the object 1093 and the adhesive layer 1090. Theexemplary removable covering includes a first free section 1094 that isnot adhered to the object 1093 and a first adhered section 1095 that isadhered to the top surface of the object 1083 by adhesive layer 1090.

In FIG. 54, a tension is applied to the first free section 1094. Becausethe removable covering 1091 is more elastic (i.e., more flexible, moreexpandable, and/or less rigid) than the object 1093, the removablecovering 1091 deforms (e.g., stretches). The combination of thisdeformation and the difference in elasticity causes the end of the firstadhered section 1095 that is connected to the first free section 1094(i.e., the left end as depicted or the end opposite the free end) torelease from the object 1093 before the rest of the first adheredsection 1095. In other words, the shear pull strength resistance fromthe adhesive layer 1090 is first overcome at the portion of theremovable covering 1091 that is closest to the location at which theremoval force is applied (i.e., at the free end of the first freesection 1094). Typically, the adhesive layer 1090 remains on theremovable covering 1091 after removal and deforms similarly to theremovable covering 1091 in this exemplary embodiment.

In this regard, exemplary embodiments of the present invention embrace aremovable covering that provides a change in resistance to coveringremoval along a force vector by means of different expandabilitycharacteristics between the removable covering and the attachedreceiving surface. Any mechanism that increases the peel resistance isavailable for integration into this embodiment and may incorporate theexpansion feature on the covering or on the object having a receivingsurface. If the lateral section of the removable covering (subject toshear force) is more elastic than the receiving surface, then the forcevector will cause a progressive shear failure beginning at the lateralterminus of the receiving surface and advancing centrally. If thelateral section of the removable covering (subject to shear force) isless elastic than the receiving surface, then the force vector willcause a progressive shear failure beginning at the central terminus ofthe receiving surface and advancing laterally.

A removable covering's resistance to removal from an object may bealtered by varying the stiffness or flexibility of the removablecovering at different locations along an adhered section. For example,FIG. 55 depicts a side view of an exemplary packaging system 2000,removable covering 1111, and object 1113 having a receiving surface 1112(e.g., an adhesive layer). Each side (i.e., the left and right sides) ofthe exemplary removable covering 1111 includes a primary tab 1114 (e.g.,a central terminus or free section), a lateral stiffening section 1117,and an adhesive layer 1116 that are not adhered to the receiving surface1112 of the object 1113. The removable covering 1111 also includes acentral section 1115 (e.g., an adhered section) that is adhered to thereceiving surface 1112. The lateral stiffening section 1117 is adheredto the bottom surface of the central section 1115 via the adhesive layer1116.

The packaging system 2000 includes two pieces, a left-side sleeve 2000Aand a right-side sleeve 2000B, that may or may not be joined by anadhesive layer 2001. The sleeves 2000A and 2000B each include a top side2003A and 2003B and a bottom side 2002A and 2002B, respectively.

The exemplary removable covering 1111 and packaging system 2000 functiontogether to facilitate placement of the object 1113 and its receivingsurface 1112. In this regard, each primary tab 1114 (i.e., on the leftand right portions of the removable covering 1111) is typically adheredto each respective bottom side 2002A or 2002B of the packaging system2000 (e.g., via the adhesive layer 1118 as shown).

FIGS. 56-58 depict side views of the exemplary removable covering 1111,object 1113, and packaging system 2000 of FIG. 55 in different phases ofremoval. As shown in FIG. 56, when a user pulls the left and right sidesleeves 2000A and 2000B away from each other the removable covering 1111is removed as well. Initially, there is a 180 degree peel strengthresistance as the central section 1115 is removed from the receivingsurface 1112. After the first portion of the central section 1115 hasbeen removed as shown in FIG. 57, the peel strength resistance increasesbecause of the lateral stiffening section 1117 and adhesive layer 1116.The thicker section (i.e., the lateral stiffening section 1117 andadhesive layer 1116) may increase the peel strength resistance by (i)requiring a peel angle that is closer to a 90 degree peel than to the180 degree peel in the thinner section and/or (ii) increasing the areaof the lateral portion of the central section 1115 that must be peeledaway from the receiving surface 1112 at the same time.

A varied peel strength resistance such as this can be achieved using avariety of techniques. For example, rather than stacking sections ofremovable covering (e.g., as shown on the left half of FIG. 61), thethickness of a portion of the removable covering may be increased ordecreased. The variation in thickness may be gradual, stepped, or abruptto provide a range of smooth to sharp changes in resistance.Furthermore, the location along the receiving surface at which theresistance change occurs may vary. For example, the resistance changemay occur due to a thickness change in the middle of the portion of theremovable covering that is adhered to the receiving surface (e.g., asshown on the right half of FIG. 61).

In this regard, exemplary embodiments of the present invention embrace aremovable covering that provides a change in resistance to coveringremoval along a force vector by means of a change in flexibility of theremovable covering. In phase 1 (e.g., FIG. 56), the central section ofthe removable covering is peeled away at a 90 to 180 degree peel angleas the package is separated if the lateral edge of the removablecovering is more rigid, the peeling angle is momentarily lower and moreresistance to peeling is present.

As previously noted with respect to FIG. 34, a varied peel strengthresistance can be achieved by varying the texture of the removablecovering. Exemplary removable coverings may also achieved varied peelstrength resistance by including a varied release coating (e.g., toprovide a varied resistance to adhesion). For example, FIG. 59 depicts aperspective view of an exemplary object 1123, adhesive layer 1122, andtwo exemplary removable coverings 1121A and 1121B. The exemplaryremovable coverings 1121A and 1121B each include a primary tab 1124(e.g., a central terminus or free section) and a central section 1125.The shading identifies areas of more or less release coating: darkerareas indicate more release coating and lighter areas indicate lessrelease coating.

Accordingly, as the removable covering 1121A is removed by pulling theprimary tab 1124, initially there is a low peel strength resistance,followed by a medium peel strength resistance, and finally a high peelstrength resistance. In other words, it requires an increasingly greaterforce to remove the removable covering 1121A during the removal process.

As the removable covering 1121B is removed by pulling the primary tab1124, initially there is a high peel strength resistance, followed by alow peel strength resistance, then a medium peel strength resistance,then a high peel strength resistance, and finally a low peel strengthresistance.

As previously noted, FIG. 61 depicts a side view of a two exemplaryremovable coverings and an object illustrating configurations capable ofachieving varied resistance by stacking layers of backing and changingthe location of increased resistance.

The left-side graph of FIG. 60 graphically depicts the force required toremove the left-side removable coverings of FIGS. 59 and 61 as afunction of distance from the midpoint of the adhesive layer. Theright-side graph of FIG. 60 graphically depicts the force required toremove the right-side removable covering of FIG. 61 as a function ofdistance from the midpoint of the adhesive layer. The units on thex-axis of both graphs are arbitrary.

Yet another technique for varying a removable covering's resistance toremoval employs loops such as those described with respect to FIGS.11-22. In particular, increasing the length of a given loop willincrease resistance to removal by increasing the percentage of theresistance that is a shear peel strength resistance. Conversely,decreasing the length of a given loop will decrease resistance toremoval by decreasing the percentage of the resistance that is a shearpeel strength resistance.

Still another technique for varying a removable covering's resistance toremoval employs folds such as those described with respect to, forexample, FIGS. 1-10. In particular, increasing the length of a givenfold will increase resistance to removal by increasing the percentage ofthe resistance that is a shear peel strength resistance. Conversely,decreasing the length of a given fold will decrease resistance toremoval by decreasing the percentage of the resistance that is a shearpeel strength resistance.

The interaction between a removable covering and a packaging system mayalso achieve a varied resistance to removal. For example, FIG. 62depicts an overhead view of an exemplary packaging system. The packagingsystem has a top surface and a bottom surface that are adhesed to eachother at the outer edges as indicated by the textured area. The whitespace and dotted lines indicate the free inner space between the top andbottom surfaces. As shown, the free space tapers from a width W near theleft and right edges to a width t near the midline. The left and rightportions (i.e., as separated by the midline) may or may not be adhesedto each other at the midline.

FIG. 63 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary removable coveringand/or object. The left and right halves of the removable coveringand/or object are different to illustrate the varied resistance that maybe achieved.

FIG. 64 graphically depicts the force required to remove the packagingsystem of FIG. 62 from the removable covering of FIG. 63 for the leftand ride sides of the removable covering of FIG. 63 as a function ofdistance from the midpoint of the packaging system. As shown, the shapeof the removable covering and/or object as it interacts with the taperedwidth of the free space within the packaging system varies theresistance to removal.

In this regard, exemplary embodiments of the present invention embrace aremovable covering that provides a change in resistance to coveringremoval along a force vector by means of varying the texture of theremovable covering or the receiving object in gradual or steppedchanges. Zones of more coarse texture are less adherent due to reducedadhesive surface area, and, in contrast, smoother zones are moreadherent.

FIG. 65 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary removable coveringand/or object within an exemplary packaging system. As in FIG. 62, thepackaging system has a top surface and a bottom surface that are adhesedto each other at the outer edges as indicated by the textured area. Theremovable covering and/or object is shown in the free inner spacebetween the top and bottom surfaces. In this depicted embodiment, thereis less variation in resistance and the variation is less abrupt than inFIGS. 62-64 because the packaging system and the removable coveringand/or object have (i) a reduced width variation and (ii) matchedcontours (i.e., of the adhesed edges of the packaging system and thewidth of the removable covering and/or object).

FIG. 66 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary removable covering 3001that includes a body section 3002, a secondary pull tab 3003, and anopening 3004 in the body section 3002. FIG. 67 depicts a perspectiveview of the exemplary removable covering 3001 of FIG. 66 with an initialfold axis.

FIG. 68 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable covering3001 after the secondary pull tab 3003 has been folded over the initialfold axis shown in FIG. 67. The end of the secondary pull tab 3003 ispassed through the opening 3004 in the body section 3002. FIG. 68 alsoshows the second fold axis.

FIG. 69 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable covering3001 after the left portion of the body section 3002, the opening 3004,and the secondary pull tab 3003 have been folded over the second foldaxis. As depicted, the secondary pull tab 3003 extends outward to theleft of the removable covering 3001.

FIG. 70A depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable covering3001 as manufactured in the phases depicted in FIGS. 67-69 and an object3008. The object 3008 may be adhesed to the removable covering 3001(e.g., via an adhesive layer). The right portion of the body section3002 has been folded downward to form a primary pull tab 3005.

FIG. 70B depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable covering3001 and object 3008 of FIG. 70A after the secondary pull tab 3003 hasbeen folded around the outer edge of the object 3008. The secondary pulltab 3003 may be adhesed to the object 3008 (e.g., via an adhesive layer)and may include another tab (not shown) that is not adhesed to theobject 3008.

FIG. 71 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary removable covering 3011that includes a body section 3012, a secondary pull tab 3013, and a flapsection 3014 formed in the body section 3002 by three linear openings.FIG. 72 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary removable covering3011 of FIG. 71 with two initial fold movements.

FIG. 73 depicts a perspective view of the removable covering 3011 afterthe secondary pull tab 3013 has been folded under the flap section 3014.As shown in FIG. 74, the secondary pull tab 3013 is pulled further andthe left portion of the body section 3012 is folded under the flapsection 3014.

FIG. 75 depicts a perspective view of the removable covering 3011 afterthe secondary pull tab 3013 has been folded back on itself around theleft portion of the body section 3012. As depicted, the secondary pulltab 3003 extends outward to the left of the removable covering 3001. Anobject may be placed on top of the body section 3012 and flap section3014, the secondary pull tab may be folded around the outer edge of theobject, and/or the right portion of the body section 3012 may be foldeddownward to form a primary pull tab (not shown).

FIG. 76 depicts a perspective view of the central section 3021 of anexemplary removable covering. The central section 3021 includes anattachment section 3023, a body section 3022, and an opening 3024 in thebody section 3022. As shown, the attachment section 3023 is folded overan initial fold axis.

FIG. 77 depicts a perspective view of the central section 3021 after theattachment section 3023 has been folded over the initial fold axis shownin FIG. 76. FIG. 77 also shows the second fold axis.

FIG. 78 depicts a perspective view of the central section 3021 after theattachment section 3023 has been folded over the second fold axis shownin FIG. 77. As shown, a portion of the attachment section 3023 ispositioned in the opening 3024.

FIG. 79 depicts a perspective view of the central section 3021 and anobject 3028 with a receiving surface 3029 (e.g., an adhesive layer).

FIG. 80 depicts a perspective view of the central section 3021, theobject 3028, and an extension section 3027. As shown, the object 3028and receiving surface 3029 are positioned on the central section'sattachment section 3023 and body section 3022. The object 3028 may beadhesed to the central section 302 (e.g., via an adhesive layer). Theright portion of the body section 3022 has been folded downward to forma primary pull tab 3025.

The extension section 3027 includes an extension body 3027B and anextension attachment 3027A. The extension attachment 3027A is typicallyadhesed to the portion of the attachment section 3023 positioned in theopening 3024. The extension section 3027 may be folded around the edgeof the object 3028 and may also be adhesed to the top surface of theobject 3028 (e.g., via an adhesive layer).

In FIGS. 76-80, the central section 3021 and extension section 3027 canfunction together as an exemplary removable covering. As shown, theexemplary removable covering can be applied to an object. That said, tworemovable coverings in accordance with FIGS. 76-80 can be used together,one in the orientation shown in FIGS. 76-80 and one rotated 180 degreesin the same plane around the right edge of the body section 3022. Inthis regard, a single, larger removable covering having the same leftand right sides can be used on a larger object.

For example, FIG. 81 depicts a side view of such a removable coveringand an object 3028 having a receiving surface 3029 (e.g., an adhesivelayer). In other words, the left and right sides of the removablecovering each include a central section 3021 and an extension section3027. The central section 3021 includes an attachment section (notshown), a body section 3022, an opening (not shown) in the body section3022, and a primary pull tab 3025. The extension section 3027 includesan extension body 3027B and an extension attachment 3027A. As shown inFIG. 81, the extension section 3027 is folded around the edge of theobject 3028.

FIG. 82 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering andobject 3028 of FIG. 81 in a phase of removal. In particular, the centralsection's primary pull tab 3025 has been pulled with a force to overcomea 180 degree peel strength resistance and the central section's bodysection 3022 has been removed from the receiving surface 3029.

FIG. 83 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering andobject 3028 of FIG. 81 in a further phase of removal. In particular, thecentral section's primary pull tab 3025 has been pulled to its fullextension leaving the portion of the attachment section 3023 that wasfolded over the second fold axis (See FIGS. 77 and 78) adhesed to thereceiving surface 3029. In this position, there is a shear peel strengthresistance to a force pulling on the ends of the central section 3021.

FIG. 84 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering andobject of FIG. 81 in a further phase of removal. In particular, theextension section 3027 has been engaged by pulling the portion of theextension body 3027B that has been folder over the object 3028. Becauseof the folded configuration around the attachment of the central section3021 and the extension section 3027, the force required to remove theremovable covering must overcome a 180 degree peel strength resistance.

In this regard, exemplary embodiments of the present invention embrace aremovable covering that provides a change in resistance to coveringremoval along a force vector by means of a pass-through constructionthat varies the peel resistance on difference surfaces of the object towhich the covering attaches.

FIG. 85 depicts a side view of an exemplary packaging system 2010,removable covering 1131, and object 1133 having a receiving surface 1132(e.g., an adhesive layer). Each side (i.e., the left and right sides) ofthe exemplary removable covering 1131 includes a primary tab 1134 (e.g.,a central terminus or free section) and an extension section 1136 thatare not adhered to the receiving surface 1132 of the object 1133. Theremovable covering 1131 also includes a central section 1135 (e.g., anadhered section) that is adhered to the receiving surface 1132.

As shown, the extension section 1136 extends beyond the outer edge ofthe object 1133. The extension section 1136 interacts with the packagingsystem 2010 to provide additional resistance to complete removal and mayhave a variety of shapes (as viewed from overhead).

The packaging system 2010 includes two pieces, a left-side sleeve 2010Aand a right-side sleeve 2010B, that may or may not be joined by anadhesive layer 2011. The sleeves 2010A and 2010B each include a top side2013A and 2013B and a bottom side 2012A and 2012B, respectively.

The exemplary removable covering 1131 and packaging system 2010 functiontogether to facilitate placement of the object 1133 and its receivingsurface 1132. In this regard, each primary tab 1134 (i.e., on the leftand right portions of the removable covering 1131) is typically adheredto each respective bottom side 2012A or 2012B of the packaging system2010 (e.g., via the adhesive layer 1138 as shown).

FIGS. 86-88 depict side views of the exemplary removable covering 1131,object 1133, and packaging system 2010 of FIG. 85 in different phases ofremoval. As shown in FIG. 86, when a user pulls the left and right sidesleeves 2010A and 2010B away from each other the removable covering 1131is removed as well. Initially, there is a 180 degree peel strengthresistance as the central section 1135 is removed from the receivingsurface 1132. As discussed, the extension section 1136 interacts withthe packaging system 2010 to provide additional resistance to completeremoval. FIG. 87 depicts the moment at which the extension section 1136begins to interact with the packaging system 2010 in this exemplaryembodiment. In particular, the extension section 1136 gets caught in thepackaging system 2010, thereby increasing the resistance to removal,before the central section 1135 is removed from the receiving surface1132. By increasing the resistance to removal at this phase of removal,a user may more easily apply the object to a surface before completelyremoving the removable covering 1131 and packaging system 2010.

FIGS. 89-92 depict overhead views of the exemplary packaging system2010, removable covering 1131, and object 1133 in the different phasesof removal depicted in FIGS. 85-88, respectively. In this regard, thepackaging system 2010 including the left-side sleeve 2010A and theright-side sleeve 2010B with their respective top sides 2013A and 2013Bis shown. The outermost dotted lines indicate the free space 2014A and2014B within the adhered portion of the packaging system 2010 between agiven sleeve's top side and bottom side (See also FIGS. 85-88). Beyondthe dotted lines, the top and bottom sides of the sleeves are adhered toeach other. The interior dotted lines indicate the location of theextension section 1136 and the object 1133. The other components of theremovable covering 1131 (e.g., the central section 1135 and the primarytab 1134) are below the object 1133 and, therefore, are not shown inFIG. 89 or 90.

As shown, the extension sections 1136 have a tapered shape and the freespace 2014A and 2014B tapers in width near the central edge of eachsleeve 2010A and 2010B. As shown in FIG. 91, when a user pulls the leftand right side sleeves 2010A and 2010B away from each other, theextension section 1136 meets the tapered portion of the free space 2014Aand 2014B within the packaging system 2010. In FIG. 91, a portion of thecentral section 1135 is shown extending outside of the extension section1136. As discussed, this interaction of the extension section 1136 andthe packaging system 2010 increases the resistance to removal andfacilitates the user's placement and application of the object 1133. Theresistance to removal between the extension section 1136 at this pointis equivalent to a shear peel strength resistance, whereas theresistance to removal between the central section 1135 and the receivingsurface 1132 is a weaker 180 degree peel strength resistance.

As shown in FIG. 92, the extension section 1136 may force open thetapered portion of the free space 2014A and 2014B within the packagingsystem 2010 or the extension section 1136 may deform to pass through thecentral edge of the packaging system 2010.

Extension sections that interact with a packaging system can have avariety of shapes to provide varying removal resistances and may beadhered to the top of an object. For example, FIGS. 93 and 94 depictperspective views of exemplary extension sections 4001. As shown, theextension sections 4001 include body section 4002, a resistance feature4003, and a pull tab 4004. The extension section's resistance feature4003 in FIG. 93 is shaped to accommodate grasping (i.e., within thecircle) of the packaging with which it interacts. The extensionsection's resistance feature 4003 in FIG. 94 is located in the middle ofthe body section 4002 to provide resistance earlier in the removalprocess as compared to the extension section's resistance feature 4003in FIG. 93. Alternatively, the length of the body section 4002 may beincreased or decreased or the placement of the extension section 4001 onthe object or removable covering may be varied to achieve increasedresistance at a given phase of the removal process.

FIG. 95 depicts a perspective view of two exemplary extension sections4001A and 4001B adhered to the top surface of an object 1143 having areceiving surface 1142 adhered to an exemplary removable covering 1141.As shown, the extension sections 4001A and 4001B each include a bodysection 4002A and 4002B, a resistance feature 4003A and 4003B, and apull tab 4004A and 4004B. The pull tabs 4004A and 4004B may be engagedto remove the extension sections 4001A and 4001B from the object 1143.Alternatively, the pull tabs 4004A and 4004B may be adhered to packagingin such a way that the extension sections 4001A and 4001B are removed asthe packaging is pulled by the user.

FIGS. 96-97 depict an exemplary two-piece extension section 4011 thatincludes a body section 4012 and a resistance feature 4013. As shown,the resistance feature 4013 may be adhered to the body section 4012creating a two-layer zone shown in FIG. 97.

FIGS. 98-99 depict another exemplary two-piece extension section 4011that includes a body section 4012 and a different resistance feature4013. As shown, the resistance feature 4013 may be adhered to the bodysection 4012 creating a two-layer zone shown in FIG. 99. As compared tothe two-layer zone in FIG. 97, the two-layer zone in FIG. 99 is smaller,which may provide manufacturing advantages or improved functionality.

FIGS. 100-101 depict another exemplary two-piece extension section 4021that includes a body section 4022 and a resistance feature 4023 thatfurther includes an opening 4025. The opening 4025 provides a smallertwo-layer zone, which may provide manufacturing advantages or improvedfunctionality.

FIG. 102 depicts a side view of an exemplary removable covering 1151,exemplary extension sections 4031, and an object 1153 having a receivingsurface 1152 (e.g., an adhesive layer). Each side (i.e., the left andright sides) of the exemplary removable covering 1151 has the samecomponents. The removable covering 1151 includes a primary tab 1154 thatis not adhered to the receiving surface 1152 and a first adhered section1155 that is adhered to the receiving surface (e.g., via an adhesivelayer). As shown, the primary tab 1154 is adhered to a stiffeningsection 1159 via an adhesive layer 1158. The stiffening section 1159 maynot be included in some exemplary embodiments.

The exemplary extension sections 4031 are adhered to the lateral portionof each side of the removable covering 1151 (i.e., the removablecovering's first adhered section 1155) via an adhesive layer 1156. Inthis regard, the overlapped and adhered portions of the removablecovering's first adhered section 1155 and the extension section 4031form a two-layer backing, which affects the removable covering'sresistance to removal.

FIG. 103 depicts the exemplary removable covering 1151, exemplaryextension sections 4031, and object 1153 of FIG. 102 within a packagingsystem 2020. The packaging system 2020 includes two pieces, a left-sidesleeve 2020A and a right-side sleeve 2020B, that may or may not bejoined by an adhesive layer 2021. The sleeves 2020A and 2020B eachinclude a top side 2023A and 2023B and a bottom side 2022A and 2022B,respectively.

The exemplary removable covering 1151, exemplary extension sections4031, and packaging system 2020 function together to facilitateplacement of the object 1153 and its receiving surface 1152. In thisregard, each stiffening section 1159 (i.e., on the left and rightportions of the removable covering 1151) is typically adhered to eachrespective bottom side 2022A or 2022B of the packaging system 2020. Inalternative embodiments, each primary tab 1154 is adhered to eachrespective bottom side 2022A or 2022B of the packaging system 2020.

FIGS. 104-106 depict side views of the exemplary removable covering1151, object 1153, exemplary extension sections 4031, and packagingsystem 2020 of FIG. 102 in different phases of removal, while FIG. 107graphically depicts the application force or resistance necessary toremove the exemplary removable covering 1151 from the object 1153 as afunction of time. In FIG. 107, “Phase 0” corresponds to FIGS. 102 and103; “Phase 1” corresponds to FIG. 104; and “Phase 2” corresponds toFIG. 105.

As shown in FIG. 104, when a user pulls the left and right side sleeves2020A and 2020B away from each other the removable covering 1151 isremoved as well. Phase 0 is followed by the pulling apart of the leftand right side sleeves 2020A and 2020B which requires the application ofa middle opening force. Phase 1 requires a force to overcome a 180degree peel strength resistance.

In Phase 2, the required force transitions from the force required toovercome the 180 degree peel strength resistance to a force capable ofovercoming (i) a constriction resistance and (ii) an increased 180degree peel strength resistance. The constriction resistance is a resultof the interaction between the extension sections 4031 and the packagingsystem 2020 described with respect to FIGS. 62-65 and 85-101. In thisregard, the constriction resistance depends on the shape of theextension sections 4031 and the free space within and construction ofthe left and right side sleeves 2020A. Accordingly, the extensionsections 4031 and the left and right side sleeves 2020A may be designedto achieve a particular constriction force.

As noted, Phase 2 requires a force capable of overcoming (i) theconstriction resistance and (ii) an increased 180 degree peel strengthresistance. The increased 180 peel strength resistance is a result ofthe two-layer backing formed by the overlapped and adhered portions ofthe removable covering's first adhered section 1155 and the extensionsection 4031. See e.g., FIG. 105. After Phase 2, the constrictionresistance and increased 180 degree peel strength resistance areovercome.

FIGS. 108-112 depict overhead views of exemplary extension sections 4041and exemplary removable coverings 1161. The depicted extension sections4041 include a body section 4042 and a resistance feature 4043. As shownin FIG. 108, when an extension section 4041 is applied to a removablecovering 1161, at least a portion of the body section 4042 overlaps withthe removable covering 1161 to form an overlap zone 4046. Because theoverlap zone is thicker, it is stiffer or less deformable than theremovable covering 1161 or resistance feature 4043. Varying the shape ofthe overlap zone 4046, therefore, can also vary the resistance toremoval as the removable covering 1161 and/or extension sections 4041interact with a packaging to create a constriction resistance.

For example, the overlap zone 4046 in FIG. 109 is wider than the overlapzone in FIG. 110. Accordingly, for a given width at a packagingconstriction point, the extension section 4041 and removable covering1161 of FIG. 109 would provide more constriction resistance than theextension section 4041 and removable covering 1161 of FIG. 109.

Furthermore, the rate at which the constriction resistance increases canalso be varied using the shape of the overlap zone 4046. For example,the overlap zone 4046 of FIG. 109 will cause an abrupt increase inconstriction resistance as the overlap zone 4046 reaches theconstriction point. In contrast, the overlap zone 4046 of FIG. 111 willprovide a gradual increase in constriction resistance as more of theoverlap zone 4046 passes through the constriction point (i.e., from topto bottom). Finally, the overlap zone 4046 of FIG. 110 will provide agentle gradual increase in constriction resistance (i.e., less increasein constriction resistance per distance pulled as compared to FIG. 111).

As shown in FIG. 112, the variation in constriction resistance createdby the shape of the extension section 4041 and its resistance feature4043 can be assessed by comparing the width W₁ of the removable covering1161 and the maximum width W₂ of the extension section's resistancefeature 4043. Typically, a greater difference between the resistancefeature's width W₂ and the removable covering's width W₁ will results ina greater constriction resistance.

FIG. 113 depicts a side view of an exemplary packaging system 2030,removable covering 1171, and object 1173 having a receiving surface 1172(e.g., an adhesive layer). Each side (i.e., the left and right sides) ofthe exemplary removable covering 1171 includes a primary tab 1174 (e.g.,a central terminus or free section) and an extension section 1176 thatare not adhered to the receiving surface 1172 of the object 1173. Theremovable covering 1171 also includes a central section 1175 (e.g., anadhered section) that is adhered to the receiving surface 1172.

As shown, the extension section 1176 extends beyond the outer edge ofthe object 1173. The extension section 1176 interacts with the packagingsystem 2030 to provide additional resistance to complete removal and mayhave a variety of shapes (as viewed from overhead).

The packaging system 2030 includes two pieces, a left-side sleeve 2030Aand a right-side sleeve 2030B, that may or may not be joined by anadhesive layer 2031. The sleeves 2030A and 2030B each include a top side2033A and 2033B and a bottom side 2032A and 2032B, respectively. Thesleeves 2030A and 2030B also each include a free space 2034A and 2034Bbetween the respective top and bottom sides.

The exemplary removable covering 1171 and packaging system 2030 functiontogether to facilitate placement of the object 1173 and its receivingsurface 1172. In this regard, each primary tab 1174 (i.e., on the leftand right portions of the removable covering 1171) is typically adheredto each respective bottom side 2032A or 2032B of the packaging system2030 (e.g., via the adhesive layer 1178 as shown).

FIG. 114 depicts an overhead view of the exemplary packaging system2030, removable covering 1171, and object 1173. As shown, the sleeves2030A and 2030B also each include a grasping section 2035A and 2035B anda constriction point 2036A and 2036B. Each constriction point is createdby adhering the top and bottom side of a given sleeve such that the feespace is narrower near the center or midline of the packaging system2030.

FIG. 115 graphically depicts the application force or resistancenecessary to remove the exemplary removable covering 1171 from theobject 1173 as a function of time. In FIG. 115, “Phase 0” corresponds toFIGS. 113 and 1114.

When a user pulls (e.g., via the grasping sections 2035A and 2035B) theleft and right side sleeves 2030A and 2030B away from each other theremovable covering 1171 is removed as well. Phase 0 is followed by thepulling apart of the left and right side sleeves 2030A and 2030B whichrequires the application of a midline separation force. Phase 1 requiresa force to overcome a 180 degree peel strength resistance as the centralsection 1175 is peeled away from the receiving surface 1172.

In Phase 2, the required force increases from the force required toovercome the 180 degree peel strength resistance to a force capable ofovercoming a constriction resistance. The constriction resistance is aresult of the interaction between the extension sections 1176 and thepackaging system 2030 described with respect to FIGS. 62-65 and 85-112.In this regard, the constriction resistance depends on the shape of theextension sections 1176, the free spaces 2034A and 2034B, and theconstriction points 2036A and 2036B. For example, as shown in FIG. 114,the maximum width of the extension sections 1176 is greater than thewidth of the constriction points 2036A and 2036B. Thus, when the sleeves2030A and 2030B have been pulled far enough away from each other thatthe extension sections 1176 meet the constriction points 2036A and2036B, a constriction resistance will impede further pulling of thesleeves. During Phase 2, most, if not all, of the object 1173 and itsreceiving surface 1172 will be out of the packaging system 2030, and theuser may hold the packaging system 2030 and place the object 1173 andits receiving surface 1172 in a desired location (e.g., on anothersurface).

During Phase 3, the user pulls the sleeves 2030A and 2030B withsufficient force to overcome the constriction resistance. Theconstriction resistance may be overcome by distortion of the extensionsections 1176 or failure of the adhesive between the top and bottomsides of the sleeves at the constriction points 2036A and 2036B.

In this regard, exemplary embodiments of the present invention embrace aremovable covering that provides a change in resistance to coveringremoval along a force vector by means of a constriction mechanism thatvaries the amount of resistance exhibited by the packaging and thereforethe peel resistance of the backing. In embodiments in which removing thepackaging also peels the removable covering, the peel resistance can beadjusted by incorporating a plugging feature that restricts the abilityof the removable covering to slide through a passageway in thepackaging.

FIG. 116 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary packaging system5000 that includes left and right sleeves having the same components. Inparticular, each sleeve includes a top side 5001, a handle element 5002,a top tab 5003, a bottom side 5004, and a bottom tab 5005. The handleelement 5002 is a strip having ends adhered to the top side 5001. Inuse, a user can place two fingers from the same hand in each handleelement 5002 and expose an object within the sleeves by spreading thetwo fingers apart.

FIG. 117 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary packagingsystem 5010 that includes left and right sleeves having the samecomponents. In particular, each sleeve includes a top side 5011, ahandle element 5012, a top tab 5013, a bottom side 5014, and a bottomtab 5015. The handle element 5012 is a D-shaped ring having a flatportion adhered to the outer edge of each sleeve. Again, in use, a usercan place two fingers from the same hand in each handle element 5012 andexpose an object within the sleeves by spreading the two fingers apart.

FIG. 118 depicts a perspective view of yet another exemplary packagingsystem 5020 that includes left and right sleeves having the samecomponents. In particular, each sleeve includes a top side 5021, ahandle element 5022, a top tab 5023, a bottom side 5024, and a bottomtab 5025. The handle element 5022 is created by an arc-shapedperforation at the outer edge of each sleeve. As shown, the arc-shapedperforation does not overlap the object 5026 within the sleeves. Thearc-shaped perforations may or may not extend to the outer edges of thesleeves. In use, a user can break the perforation on each sleeve, placetwo fingers from the same hand in each handle element 5022, and exposean object within the sleeves by spreading the two fingers apart.

FIG. 119 depicts a perspective view of yet another exemplary packagingsystem 5030 that includes left and right sleeves having the samecomponents. In particular, each sleeve includes a top side 5031, ahandle element 5032, a top tab 5033, a bottom side 5034, and a bottomtab 5035. The handle element 5032 is a circular opening formed by an arcof packaging material extending from the outer edge of each sleeve and acutout from the outer edge of each sleeve. Again, in use, a user canplace two fingers from the same hand in each circular opening and exposean object within the sleeves by spreading the two fingers apart.

In this regard, exemplary embodiments of the present invention embrace aremovable covering that provides a change in resistance to coveringremoval along a force vector by means of a change in direction of theremovable covering resulting from manually extending the packaging viaattached or integral handles (e.g., handle elements). The user separatesthe packaging via the handles or tabs, and the packaging provides afirst peeling force vector at a first peel resistance and peeling angle.The user can then complete the peeling by accessing secondary tabs(e.g., top tabs and/or bottom tabs) that are peeled at a peeling anglebetween 90 and 180 degrees.

FIGS. 120-123 depict overhead views of an exemplary packaging system6000 and object 6002. The packaging system 6000 includes a left sleeve6000A and a right sleeve 6000B each including a visible design element6001A and 6001B (e.g., an image of a hand). As shown in FIG. 123, theobject 6002 bears a centrally-positioned visible design element 6003(e.g., an image of a face), a left-side visible design element 6004A(e.g., an image of a hand) and a right-side visible design element 6004B(e.g., an image of a hand). In the depicted exemplary embodiment, thevisible design elements 6001A and 6001B are the same as the left-sidevisible design element 6004A and right-side visible design element6004B, although the size of the elements may be different. Furthermore,the depicted exemplary design elements are related in such a way as toconvey a story as the sleeves 6000A and 6000B of the packaging system6000 is removed from the object 6002.

As shown in FIG. 121, during a first phase of removal, thecentrally-positioned design element 6003 becomes visible as the sleeves6000A and 6000B are separated. As depicted, the story conveyed shows aface, originally hidden behind two hands, being revealed as the twohands move outward to the left and right.

During a second phase of removal depicted in FIG. 122, the left-sidevisible design element 6004A and right-side visible design element 6004Bon the object 6002 become partially visible as the sleeves 6000A and6000B are separated even further. As depicted, the story conveyed showsthat the face is still visible and the two hands appear to be ceasingmovement further from either side of the face.

During the final phase of removal depicted in FIG. 123, the left-sidevisible design element 6004A and right-side visible design element 6004Bon the object 6002 are fully visible and the sleeves 6000A and 6000Bhave been completely removed from the object 6002. As depicted, thestory conveyed shows that face is still visible and the two hands havestopped movement and are positioned on either side of the face.

FIGS. 124-126 depict overhead views of another exemplary packagingsystem 6010 and object 6012. The packaging system 6010 includes a leftsleeve 6010A and a right sleeve 6010B each including a visible designelement 6011A and 6011B (e.g., text, a slogan, a logo, a trademark, apart of a trademark, a name, a part of name, and/or abbreviation). Thevisible design elements 6011A and 6011B may be related, as shown in FIG.124, to convey a message or present an image. As shown in FIGS. 125-126,the object 6002 bears a centrally-positioned visible design element 6013(e.g., text, a slogan, a logo, a trademark, a part of a trademark, aname, a part of name, and/or abbreviation), a left-side visible designelement 6014A (e.g., text, a slogan, a logo, a trademark, a part of atrademark, a name, a part of name, and/or abbreviation) and a right-sidevisible design element 6014B (e.g., text, a slogan, a logo, a trademark,a part of a trademark, a name, a part of name, and/or abbreviation). Thedepicted exemplary design elements are related in such a way as toconvey a message as the sleeves 6010A and 6010B of the packaging system6010 is removed from the object 6012. As shown, the visible designelements 6011A and 6011B on the packaging system's sleeves 6010A and6010B present a message or information about the visible design elements6013, 6014A, 6014B.

During a first phase of removal, the centrally-positioned design element6013 becomes visible as the sleeves 6010A and 6010B are separated.During a second phase of removal depicted in FIG. 125, the left-sidevisible design element 6014A and right-side visible design element 6014Bon the object 6012 become partially visible as the sleeves 6010A and6010B are separated even further. During the final phase of removaldepicted in FIG. 126, the left-side visible design element 6014A andright-side visible design element 6014B on the object 6012 are fullyvisible and the sleeves 6010A and 6010B have been completely removedfrom the object 6012. In this regard, the packaging system and objectand the visible design element's they bear convey a message orinformation that can be used as a marketing tool.

FIG. 127 depicts a perspective view of the exemplary packaging system6000 and object 6002 of FIGS. 120-123 as well as an exemplary removablecovering in a phase of manufacturing. The packaging system 6000 includestwo pieces, a left-side sleeve 6000A and a right-side sleeve 6000B, thatmay or may not be joined by an adhesive layer 6021. The sleeves 6000Aand 6000B each include a top side 6023A and 6023B and a bottom side6022A and 6022B, respectively. The top sides 6023A and 6023B eachinclude a visible design element 6001A and 6001B (e.g., an image of ahand).

The object 6002 bears a centrally-positioned visible design element 6003(e.g., an image of a face), a left-side visible design element 6004A(e.g., an image of a hand) and a right-side visible design element 6004B(e.g., an image of a hand). In the depicted exemplary embodiment, thevisible design elements 6001A and 6001B are the same as the left-sidevisible design element 6004A and right-side visible design element6004B, although the size of the elements may be different.

Each side (i.e., the left and right sides) of the exemplary removablecovering 1181 includes a primary tab 1184 (e.g., a central terminus orfree section) and a lateral free section 1185 that are not adhered tothe bottom surface of the object 6002. The removable covering 1181 alsoincludes a central section 1185 (e.g., an adhered section) and a lateraladhered section 1186 that is adhered to the bottom surface of the object6002.

The exemplary removable covering 1181 and packaging system 6000 mayfunction together to facilitate placement of the object 6002 and itsreceiving surface (e.g., bottom surface). In this regard, each primarytab 1184 (i.e., on the left and right portions of the removable covering1181) may be adhered to each respective bottom side 6022A or 6022B ofthe packaging system 6000 (e.g., via an adhesive layer).

In this regard, exemplary embodiments of the present invention embrace aremovable covering that provides at least two step changes in resistanceto covering removal along a force vector directed to associatedpackaging, wherein the first step change reveals a first portion of animage on the receiving surface, and the second step change reveals theremainder of the image on the receiving surface.

FIGS. 128-130 depict perspective views of another exemplary removablecovering 1201 that achieves a varied resistance to removal. Theremovable covering 1201 includes a primary tab 1204 (e.g., a centralterminus or free section) and a body section 1205 (e.g., a centralsection or adhered section) having an opening 1206. An adhesive layer1301 is applied to the bottom surface of the body section 1205 and isexposed to objects on the top surface of the removable covering 1201through the opening 1206.

During removal, as a user grasps the primary tab 1204 and pulls theremovable covering 1201 away from an object, initially the resistance toremoval is determined by the interaction between the body section 1205and the surface of the object, which may be an adhesive layer. At alater phase of removal, the right-side of the opening 1206 and adhesivelayer 1301 and their interaction with the surface of the object willaffect the resistance to removal. Typically, the resistance to removalwill increase because the adhesive layer 1301 will provide greaterresistance. As more of the removable covering 1201 is pulled away fromthe object (i.e., from right to left as depicted), the progressivelylarger width-wise section of the opening 1206 and exposed adhesive layer1301 will increase the resistance to removal.

In this exemplary embodiment, the shape of the opening 1206 will affectthe manner in which the resistance to removal varies during the removalprocess. In particular, the percentage of the removable covering's widththat the opening 1206 encompasses at a given cross-section taken at anangle that is 90 degrees to the axis along which the removable coveringis removed (e.g., the width-wise cross-section as depicted) will affectthe resistance to removal at a given phase of removal. Thus, thedepicted tear-drop-shaped opening 1206 will provide a resistance toremoval that gradually increases during the removal process and then,towards the end, decreases somewhat quickly. It is within the scope ofthe present invention to employ other shapes of openings to achieve adesired variation in resistance to removal.

FIG. 131 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary removablecovering 1211 that achieves a varied resistance to removal. Theremovable covering 1211 includes a primary tab 1214 and a body section1215. As shown, a shaped-adhesive strip 1311 may be applied to the bodysection 1215. The upper surface of the body section 1215 and theshaped-adhesive strip 1311 are typically placed on a receiving surface(e.g., an adhesive layer) of an object.

During removal, as a user grasps the primary tab 1214 and pulls theremovable covering 1211 away from an object, initially the resistance toremoval is determined by the interaction between the body section 1215and the surface of the object, which may be an adhesive layer. At alater phase of removal, the shaped-adhesive strip 1311 and itsinteraction with the surface of the object will affect the resistance toremoval. Typically, the resistance to removal will increase because theshaped-adhesive strip 1311 will provide greater resistance. As more ofthe removable covering 1211 is pulled away from the object (i.e., fromright to left as depicted), the progressively larger width-wise sectionof the shaped-adhesive strip 1311 will increase the resistance toremoval.

In this exemplary embodiment, the shape of the adhesive strip 1311 willaffect the manner in which the resistance to removal varies during theremoval process. In particular, the percentage of the removablecovering's width that the shaped-adhesive strip 1311 encompasses at agiven cross-section taken at an angle that is 90 degrees to the axisalong which the removable covering is removed (e.g., the width-wisecross-section as depicted) will affect the resistance to removal at agiven phase of removal. Thus, the depicted tear-drop-shaped adhesivestrip 1311 will provide a resistance to removal that gradually increasesduring the removal process and then, towards the end, decreases somewhatquickly. It is within the scope of the present invention to employ othershapes of adhesive strips to achieve a desired variation in resistanceto removal.

FIG. 132 depicts a perspective view of yet another exemplary removablecovering 1221 that achieves a varied resistance to removal. Theremovable covering 1221 includes a primary tab 1224 and a body section1225. As shown, the body section 1225 may include a shaped-coating zone1226. The upper surface of the body section 1225 and the shaped-coatingzone 1226 are typically placed on a receiving surface (e.g., an adhesivelayer) of an object. As depicted, the body section 1225 may have adifferent coating than the shaped-coating zone 1226. The coatings may berelease coatings (e.g., a siliconized coating), but, in this exemplaryembodiment, the coatings are different and provide two differentresistances to removal when combined with an adhesive layer on anobject.

During removal, as a user grasps the primary tab 1224 and pulls theremovable covering 1221 away from an object, initially the resistance toremoval is determined by the interaction between the body section 1225and the surface of the object, which may be an adhesive layer. At alater phase of removal, the shaped-coating zone 1226 and its interactionwith the surface of the object will affect the resistance to removal.Typically, the resistance to removal will increase because theshaped-coating zone 1226 will provide greater resistance. As more of theremovable covering 1211 is pulled away from the object (i.e., from rightto left as depicted), the progressively larger width-wise section of theshaped-coating zone 1226 will increase the resistance to removal.

In this exemplary embodiment, the shape of the coating zone 1226 willaffect the manner in which the resistance to removal varies during theremoval process. In particular, the percentage of the removablecovering's width that the shaped-coating zone 1226 encompasses at agiven cross-section taken at an angle that is 90 degrees to the axisalong which the removable covering is removed (e.g., the width-wisecross-section as depicted) will affect the resistance to removal at agiven phase of removal. Thus, the depicted tear-drop-shaped-coating zone1226 will provide a resistance to removal that gradually increasesduring the removal process and then, towards the end, decreases somewhatquickly. It is within the scope of the present invention to employ othershapes of coating zones to achieve a desired variation in resistance toremoval.

FIG. 133 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary removable covering1231 that achieves a varied resistance to removal. The removablecovering 1231 includes a body section 1235 and a shaped-coating zone1236 having a higher resistance to removal than the body section 1235(e.g., via adhesive differences and/or coating release agentdifferences). During removal, the top end of the removable covering 1231is initially removed from an object.

The application force necessary to remove the exemplary removablecovering 1231 from an object at a given cross-section taken at an anglethat is 90 degrees to the axis along which the removable covering isremoved (e.g., the width-wise cross-section as depicted) may bedetermined by (i) measuring the widths A, B, and C of thecross-sectional segments of body section and shaped-coating zone, (ii)multiplying the measured widths by a relative resistance factor, and(iii) adding them. For example, assuming the shaped-coating zone 1236has a resistance to removal that is twice the resistance to removalprovided by the body section 1235, the application force necessary toremove the exemplary removable covering 1231 from an object at a givencross-section is given by: F=1A+2B+1C.

In this regard, FIG. 134 graphically depicts the application force orresistance necessary to remove the exemplary removable covering 1231from an object as a function of distance along the peel-axis (i.e., theaxis along which the removable covering is removed). As shown, initiallythe resistance increases gradually, and then decreases briefly at thelower, narrow section of the shaped-coating zone 1236. The briefdecrease in resistance warns or signals to a user that the removablecovering 1231 is near complete removal. The resistance then increases atthe end of the removal process to facilitate placement of the object.

FIG. 135 depicts an overhead view of another exemplary removablecovering 1241 that achieves a varied resistance to removal. Theremovable covering 1241 includes a body section 1245 and ashaped-coating zone 1246 having a lower resistance to removal than thebody section 1245 (e.g., via adhesive differences and/or coating releaseagent differences). During removal, the top end of the removablecovering 1241 is initially removed from an object.

The application force necessary to remove the exemplary removablecovering 1241 from an object at a given cross-section taken at an anglethat is 90 degrees to the axis along which the removable covering isremoved (e.g., the width-wise cross-section as depicted) may bedetermined by (i) measuring the widths A, B, and C of thecross-sectional segments of body section and shaped-coating zone, (ii)multiplying the measured widths by a relative resistance factor, and(iii) adding them. For example, assuming the shaped-coating zone 1246has a resistance to removal that is one third of the resistance toremoval provided by the body section 1245, the application forcenecessary to remove the exemplary removable covering 1241 from an objectat a given cross-section is given by: F=3A+1B+3C.

In this regard, FIG. 136 graphically depicts the application force orresistance necessary to remove the exemplary removable covering 1241from an object as a function of distance along the peel-axis (i.e., theaxis along which the removable covering is removed). As shown, theresistance increases gradually, and then sharply decreases at therapidly widening section of the shaped-coating zone 1246 at the end ofthe removable covering 1241. The decrease in resistance at the end ofremoval may facilitate placement of the object.

FIGS. 137-140 depict perspective views of an exemplary removablecovering 1251 during different phases of removal. The exemplaryremovable covering 1251 includes a primary tab 1254, a body section1255, and a varied-adhesion zone 1256. The varied-adhesion zone has adifferent resistance to removal than the body section 1255, which may beachieved via an increase or decrease in adhesive strength, differentrelease coatings, or a change in texture. FIG. 137 depicts the removablecovering 1251 as it would be applied to an object.

FIG. 138 depicts the removable covering 1251 in an early phase ofremoval. As shown, a first portion of the varied-adhesion zone 1256 hasbeen pulled away and extends downward from the adhesion edge 1259 withthe portion of the removable covering 1251 that has been removed. Theadhesion edge 1259 effectively defines the boundary between the sectionof the removable covering 1251 that has been removed and the section ofthe removable covering 1251 that is still adhered to an object. Theadhesion edge 1259 is typically a cross-section taken at an angle thatis 90 degrees to the axis along which the removable covering is removed.The adhesion edge 1259 may not be exactly perpendicular to the axisalong which the removable covering is removed because of non-exactremoval by a user.

FIG. 139 depicts the removable covering 1251 in a further phase ofremoval. As shown, a greater portion of the varied-adhesion zone 1256has been pulled away and extends downward from the adhesion edge 1259with the portion of the removable covering 1251 that has been removed.Because the adhesion edge 1259 in FIG. 139 includes a greater percentageof the varied-adhesion zone 1256 than the adhesion edge 1259 in FIG.138, the phase of removal shown in FIG. 139 has a different resistanceto removal than the phase of removal shown in FIG. 138 (i.e., increasedor decreased resistance to removal depending on the relative resistancesto removal between the body section 1255 and the varied-adhesion zone1256).

FIG. 140 depicts the removable covering 1251 in yet another phase ofremoval. As shown, an even greater portion of the varied-adhesion zone1256 has been pulled away and extends downward from the adhesion edge1259 with the portion of the removable covering 1251 that has beenremoved. Because the adhesion edge 1259 in FIG. 140 includes a differentpercentage of the varied-adhesion zone 1256 than the adhesion edge 1259in FIG. 139, the phase of removal shown in FIG. 140 has a differentresistance to removal than the phase of removal shown in FIG. 139 (i.e.,increased or decreased resistance to removal depending on the relativeresistances to removal between the body section 1255 and thevaried-adhesion zone 1256).

FIGS. 141-144 depict perspective views of an exemplary removablecovering 1261 during different phases of removal from an exemplaryobject 1263. The exemplary removable covering 1261 includes a primarytab 1264 and a body section 1265. The exemplary removable object 1263includes a receiving surface 1262 (e.g., an adhesive layer) bearing avaried-adhesion zone 1266. The varied-adhesion zone 1266 has a differentresistance to removal than the receiving surface 1262, which may beachieved via an increase or decrease in adhesive strength, differentrelease coatings, or a change in texture.

FIG. 141 depicts the exemplary removable covering 1261 and exemplaryobject before the two are adhered as shown in FIG. 142. FIG. 143 depictsthe removable covering 1261 in a phase of removal. As shown, a firstportion of the body section 1265 has been pulled away from the object'sreceiving surface 1262 and extends downward from the adhesion edge 1269.The adhesion edge 1269 effectively defines the boundary between thesection of the removable covering 1261 that has been removed and thesection of the removable covering 1261 that is still adhered to theobject 1263. The adhesion edge 1269 is typically a cross-section takenat an angle that is 90 degrees to the axis along which the removablecovering is removed. The adhesion edge 1269 may not be exactlyperpendicular to the axis along which the removable covering is removedbecause of non-exact removal by a user.

FIG. 144 depicts the removable covering 1261 in a further phase ofremoval. As shown, a smaller portion of the body section 1265 is incontact with the varied-adhesion zone 1266 and most of the body section1265 extends downward from the adhesion edge 1269. Because the adhesionedge 1269 in FIG. 143 includes a greater percentage of thevaried-adhesion zone 1266 than the adhesion edge 1269 in FIG. 144, thephase of removal shown in FIG. 143 has a different resistance to removalthan the phase of removal shown in FIG. 144 (i.e., increased ordecreased resistance to removal depending on the relative resistances toremoval between the body section 1265 and the varied-adhesion zone1256).

A comparison of the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 137-140 and FIGS.141-144 shows that the variation in resistance to removal can beachieved using a varied-adhesion zone on a removable covering (i.e., asin FIGS. 137-140) or on an object (i.e., as in FIGS. 141-144).Furthermore, combinations of these two exemplary embodiments (i.e.,varied-adhesion zones on both the removable covering and the object) mayalso be employed to achieve a desired variation in resistance toremoval.

FIG. 145 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary removable covering andan object 110, and FIG. 146 depicts a side view of the exemplaryremovable covering and object 110. The object includes a body portion111, a central zone 112 (e.g., a central pad), and two end portions 114and 116 on either side of the central zone 112. Portions of theremovable covering are below the object 110 and, therefore, are shown bydotted lines in the overhead view of FIG. 145. The removable coveringincludes a first adhered section 120 and a second adhered section 122that are adhered to the object 110 (e.g., via adhesive layers 117 and118 as shown in FIG. 146). The removable covering also includes twohandles 140 and 141 that are respectively connected to the first adheredsection 120 and second adhered section 122 at their central ends (i.e.,central with respect to the object 110). The two handles 140 and 141extend upward from the underside of the object 110 and around the object110. As depicted, the handles 140 and 141 are positioned around thecentral zone 112 of the object. That said, the handles 140 and 141 maybe positioned anywhere along the length of the removable covering and/orobject 110. The handles 140 and 141 facilitate removal of the removablecovering from the object 110. For example, the handles 140 and 141 maybe pulled in the direction of the arrows shown in FIG. 146. Furthermore,the handles 140 and 141 permit a user to remove the removable coveringfrom the object 110 and apply the object 110 to a surface withoutaccessing or manipulating the side of the object 110 that will beadhered to the surface. To facilitate the description, some of thecomponents of the exemplary removable covering and object 110 are notshown in FIGS. 147-149.

In this regard, FIG. 147 depicts a side view of the exemplary removablecovering of FIGS. 145 and 146 in a phase of removal from the object 110.As depicted, the handles 140 and 141 may be pulled outwardly. Initially,the resistance to removal is relatively low as the handles 140 and 141pull the first adhered section 120 and second adhered section 121 awayfrom the central zone 112, which typically does not include an adhesivelayer. The resistance to removal then increases as the handles 140 and141 pull the first adhered section 120 and second adhered section 121away from the adhesive layers 117 and 118 (shown in FIG. 146 but notFIG. 147). Thus, the central zone 112 is exposed and may be applied to asurface (e.g., the skin of a patient) as shown in FIG. 148.

FIG. 148 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering ofFIGS. 145 and 146 in a phase of removal from an object 110 and a phaseof applying the object to a surface 129. As depicted, the handles 140and 141 pull the first adhered section 120 and second adhered section121 further away from the adhesive layers 117 and 118 (shown in FIG. 146but not FIG. 148) and the object 110 is applied to a surface 129.

As depicted in FIG. 149 the handles 140 and 141 may be pulled further toremove the removable covering from the object 110, and the adhesivelayers 117 and 118 (shown in FIG. 146 but not FIG. 149) may adhere tothe surface 129 holding the object 110 in position. Any of thepreviously described mechanisms from creating a change or variation inresistance may be employed in conjunction with this exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 150 depicts an overhead view of an exemplary removable covering andan object 210, and FIG. 151 depicts a side view of the exemplaryremovable covering and the object 210. The object 201 includes a bodysection 211, a central zone 212, two end sections 214 and 216, and acentral bridge 205. The removable covering includes a first adheredsection 220 and a section adhered section 222 that are adhered to theobject 210 (e.g., via an adhesive layer). The first adhered section 220and the section adhered section 222 each include a tab on theirrespective ends nearest the center of the object 210 that facilitatesremoval from the object 210. Other exemplary embodiments, however, maynot include these tabs. Alternatively, other interlocking tab mechanisms(e.g., adhesive layers, pin and hole mechanism, slot and tab mechanism)may be utilized. Typically, the ends of the first adhered section 220and the section adhered section 222 that are nearest the center of theobject 210 are not adhered to the object 210.

The removable covering also includes interlocking extension sections 242and 243. As shown, the interlocking extension sections 242 and 243include complimentary notches that interlock. The interlocking nature ofthe interlocking extension sections 242 and 243 may be achieved usingother features or designs that provide different or varying degrees ofpre-tensioning of the object 210 consistently before application to asurface (e.g., a wound). To facilitate the description, some of thecomponents of the exemplary removable covering and object 210 are notshown in FIGS. 152-154.

FIG. 152 depicts a side view of the exemplary removable covering ofFIGS. 150 and 151 in a phase of preparing the removable covering andobject 210 for application to a surface. As shown, the ends of theremovable covering and object 210 have been bent upward (i.e., away fromthe side of the object to be applied to a surface). The first adheredsection 220 and the section adhered section 222 have been pulled awayfrom the central bridge 205. In FIG. 153, the ends of the removablecovering and object 210 have been bent further upward and theinterlocking extension sections 242 and 243 have been interlocked. Afterinterlocking the interlocking extension sections 242 and 243, the usermay position the object 210 including the central bridge 205 over thesurface (e.g., including a wound as shown). The first adhered section220 and the section adhered section 222 have been pulled away from theobject 210 even more so than in FIG. 152 contemporaneously exposing alarger section of an adhesive layer.

FIG. 154 depicts the object 210 including the central bridge 205 asapplied to the surface. The interlocking extension sections 242 and 243have been released from each other, and the bridge 205 provides tensionacross the surface. Typically, an adhesive on the object 210 and/orbridge 205 adheres the object 201 to the surface. The first adheredsection 220 and the section adhered section 222 may be removed from theobject 210, and the two end sections 214 and 216 may be adhered to thesurface (e.g., via an adhesive layer). The sections of the first adheredsection 220 and the section adhered section 222 that have been pulledaway from the object 210 as a result of application process as depictedin FIGS. 152-154 may function as a tab for subsequent complete removalof first adhered section 220 and the section adhered section 222 fromthe object 210.

In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of theinvention have been disclosed. The present invention is not limited tosuch exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes anyand all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Thefigures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawnto scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in ageneric and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

Exemplary Claim Embodiments

For the Backing

B1. A removable covering that is temporarily adhered to an object(adhesive on backing, object, or both) that has different zones ofresistance to removal when subjected to a constant speed (or force) ordirection of removal.

B2. A removable covering having different zones of resistance to removalfrom an object that can stabilize, orient, help apply, etc. an objectbecause the different zones of resistance allow the object to be held bymeans of the backing.

B3. A removable covering according to B1 and/or B2 wherein mechanisms ofvaried resistance comprise:

a fold within the backing;

a loop within the backing;

different textures in covering or object (alters adhesive strength);

different amounts or strengths of the adhesives in different zones(covering or object);

two interactive layers to the covering (like pivot or hinge);

two separate layers to the backing;

adhering the covering to more than one surface of the object;

a tear away portion of the object itself;

temporary folds within the object itself;

a shift in direction of the backing; and/or

expandability (different between object and backing).

B4. A removable covering as in B1-B3 wherein accessory tabs, loops,folds, and/or other shapes help with final removal of the covering afteran initial removal phase. (two steps)

B5. A removable covering as in B1-B3 which can be removed in a singlestep.

For the Envelope (Packaging System)

E1. An envelope which is removed coaxially by a force applied toopposite ends where the envelope has surfaces (e.g. folds) toaccommodate the backing.

E2. An envelope which functions to assist in removal of a backing.

For the System (Envelope Plus Covering)

S1. A system where opposite coaxial force vectors applied to theenvelope are transmitted to a section or sections of the backing.

S2. A system where such forces on the envelope lead to a partial removalof the covering which is followed by an increase in resistance toremoval.

S3. A system where the increase in resistance can be overcome bycontinued increase in force going in the same direction.

S4. A system where the increase in resistance can be overcome byreleasing a secondary force point (e.g. second tab or pull loop).

S5. A system where the increase in resistance stabilizes, orients,and/or prepares the object for placement.

S6. A system that allows the object to be partially exposed (activated)prior to complete covering removal. (without touching the device itself)

S7. A system that allows the object to be fully exposed (activated)prior to complete package removal. (without touching the device itself)

S8. A system that aligns the two halves to an equal degree of releasefrom the envelope/covering by virtue of the increase in resistance.

S9. A system where the increase in resistance is created by inner lumenconstriction between the protected device and the envelope.

S10. A system where the appearance of designs on the wrapping changes asthe device is opened.

S11. A system that looks like hands moving away from a face(Peek-A-Boo-Boo).

D1. A device comprising:

a removable protective planar covering that can be adhered to portionsof an object (protected object);

said removable protective covering having at least one section orstructural feature not in direct contact with said object;

said device being of sufficient flexibility to allow at least partialremoval from said protected device by application of a peel force vectorapplied to a section or structural feature of the backing;

so configured, applied to, and interacting with said object that theforce required to remove the covering from said protected object variesat different zones of attachment between the removable covering and theobject to which it is attached when a removal force vector is applied.

D2. A device comprising:

a removable protective planar covering that can be adhered to portionsof an object (protected object);

said removable protective covering having at least one section orstructural feature not in direct contact with said object;

said device being of sufficient flexibility to allow at least partialremoval from said protected device by application of a peel force vectorapplied to a section or structural feature of the backing;

so configured, applied to, and interacting with said object thatresistance to be overcome to remove the covering from said protectedobject varies at different zones of attachment between the removablecovering and the object to which it is attached when a removal forcevector is applied.

D3. A device comprising:

a packaging envelope constructed of two or more sections;

wherein said sections are adhesed to each other with an adhesive of suchstrength that they can be separated by the application of oppositelydirected force vectors applied to opposing sides of packaging deviceitself;

wherein said packaging envelope has an attachment to a section of aprotective covering.

A device as in D3 wherein the adhesive connection zones between opposingsides is oriented at 180 degrees to the axis of force applied to theopposing sides of the packaging device itself.

A device as in D3 wherein the adhesive connection zones between opposingsides is oriented at an angle between zero and 180 degrees.

A device as in D3 wherein the adhesive connection zones between opposingsides has a non-rectangular shape so as to facilitate separation of theopposing sections upon application of a force to the packaging device.

A device as in D3 where the adhesed sections are mirror images of eachother.

A device as in D3 where the adhesed sections are not mirror images ofeach other.

A device as in D3 where the internal pocket dimensions of the packagingdevice exceed the dimensions of the contained object for which it isdesigned such that application of a compressing force to a section ofthe packaging device does not transmit pressure to the protected device.

A device as in D3 where the opposing sections to be separated maydemonstrate loops, tabs, linear elements, strings, or other features tofacilitate the application of a separating force.

A device as in D3 where the opposing sections can be fully separated bya single hand.

A device as in D3 where design elements such as a figure, character,logo, words or other features are visible on the surface of the deviceto aid in alignment or to create a change in appearance as the segmentsare separated.

D4. A system comprising:

a packaging device as in D3 with opposing sections that can be separatedby the application of opposing forces to opposite sides of the opposingsections; and

a removable protective covering as in D1 and/or D2 which has beenaffixed to an object wherein the affixed object and removable coveringare contained within the packaging device;

wherein a zone of the removable covering device is affixed to a zone ofthe packaging device such that the separation of the opposing sectionsof the packaging device transmits a separating force to the removablecovering device which subsequently separates the removable coveringdevice from the exposed object.

D5. A system comprising:

a packaging device as in D3 with opposing sections that can be separatedby the application of opposing forces to opposite sides of the opposingsections; and

a removable protective covering as in D1 and D2 which has been affixedto an object wherein the affixed object and removable covering arecontained within the packaging device;

wherein a zone of the removable covering device is affixed to a zone ofthe packaging device such that the separation of the opposing sectionsof the packaging device transmits a separating force to the removablecovering device which subsequently separates the removable coveringdevice from the exposed object at which point the interacting packagingsystem and removable covering exhibit an increase in resistance to anopening force.

D6. A system comprising:

a packaging device as in D3 with opposing sections that can be separatedby the application of opposing forces to opposite sides of the opposingsections; and

a removable protective covering as in D1 and D2 which has been affixedto an object wherein the affixed object and removable covering arecontained within the packaging device;

wherein the removable covering exhibits areas of varied width such thatan increase in resistance to an opening force as applied to thepackaging device occurs during removal of the packaging device andcontained protective covering from the protected device.

D7. A system comprising:

a packaging device as in D3 with opposing sections that can be separatedby the application of opposing forces to opposite sides of the opposingsections; and

a removable protective covering as in D1 and D2 which has been affixedto an object wherein the affixed object and removable covering arecontained within the packaging device;

wherein the internal space width within a section of the packagingdevice exhibits areas of varied magnitude such that an increase inresistance to an opening force as applied to the packaging device occursduring removal of the packaging device and contained protective coveringfrom the protected device.

D8. A system comprising:

a packaging device as in D3 with opposing sections that can be separatedby the application of opposing forces to opposite sides of the opposingsections and where the width between the inside margins of the packingdevice is non-uniform;

an object enclosed within the packaging device which is of a non-uniformwidth or cross-sectional area;

so constructed such that as the opposing sections of said packagingdevice are separated by an opening force that an increase in resistanceof packaging removal is created by the compression of a wider section ofsaid enclosed object and a narrower inside within of the packagingsystem.

A system as in D4, D5, D6, D7 and/or D8 wherein a change in theresistance of removal of the protective packaging device assists inconfiguring the system such that the amount of the removable coveringthat is removed is limited at the point of increased resistance.

A system as in D4, D5, D6, D7 and/or D8 wherein a change in theresistance of removal of the protective packaging device assists instabilizing, activating, preparing and orienting the contained objectfor application, deployment, activation or utilization.

A system as in D4, D5, D6, D7 and/or D8 wherein a change in theresistance during removal of the protective packaging device allowstransmission of a distracting or distorting force to the containedobject.

A system as in D4, D5, D6, D7 and/or D8 wherein after partial removal ofthe packaging device that an increase in applied opening force overcomesthe increase in resistance to an opening force and removes the remainderof the packaging device from the protected device.

A system as in D4, D5, D6, D7 and/or D8 wherein after partial removal ofthe packaging device that an increase in applied opening force overcomesthe increase in resistance to an opening force and removes the remainderof the packaging device and the removable covering from the protecteddevice.

A system as in D4, D5, D6, D7 and/or D8 wherein after partial removal ofthe packaging device and attached removable covering that the remainderof the packaging device and removable covering are removed from theprotected device by the application of an opening force to a secondarypoint on the packaging device or removable covering.

A system as in D7 and/or D8 wherein after partial removal of thepackaging device up to the point of increased opening resistance thatthe remainder of the packaging device can be removed from the protecteddevice by the application of an opening force to a secondary point onthe packaging device.

A system as in D4, D5, D6, D7 and/or D8 wherein a design element such asa figure, character, logo, words or other features are visible on thesurface of the packaging device such that the application of openingforces separates said design elements on the segments of the packagingsystem creating a change in appearance of the system.

A system as in D4, D5, D6, D7 and/or D8 wherein a design element such asa figure, character, logo, words or other features are visible on thesurface of the packaging device and

where a design element such as a figure, character, logo, words or otherfeatures are present on the surface of the contained protected device;

where said design element present on the surface of the containedprotected device is not visible while said protected device remainswithin an unopened packaging device; and

where the application of opening forces separates said design elementson the segments of the packaging device and simultaneously exposes thedesign element on said protected device.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A substantially planar removable coveringfor an object, comprising: a first free section that is not adhered tothe object; a second free section that is not adhered to the object; afirst adhered section that is adhered to the object; and a secondadhered section that is adhered to the object; wherein said firstadhered section and said second adhered section are connected toopposite ends of said first free section so that said first free sectionis positioned between said first adhered section and said second adheredsection; wherein said first free section and said second free sectionare connected to opposite ends of said second adhered section so thatsaid second adhered section is positioned between said first freesection and said second free section; wherein said second free sectionis positioned between said first free section and said second adheredsection; and wherein the removable covering is sufficiently flexible toallow at least partial removal of said first adhered section from theobject by application of a force to the removable covering.
 2. Theremovable covering according to claim 1, wherein the removable coveringis configured, comprising said first adhered section being releasablyadhered to the object and the removable covering being sufficientlyflexible, to allow removal of said first adhered section from the objectby application of force to the removable covering.
 3. The removablecovering according to claim 2, wherein: said second adhered section hasopposite first and second sides; said first side of said second adheredsection is adhered to the object; said second free section has oppositefirst and second sides; and the removable covering comprises a foldbetween the said second free section and said second adhered section sothat said first side of said second free section and said second side ofsaid second adhered section are in opposing face-to-face relation withone another.
 4. The removable covering according to claim 3, wherein:said first free section has opposite first and second sides; and saidfirst side of said first free section and said second side of saidsecond free section are in opposing face-to-face relation with oneanother.
 5. The removable covering according to claim 2, wherein: theobject has a receiving surface, said first free section is not adheredto the receiving surface of the object; said second free section is asecondary tab that is not adhered to the receiving surface of theobject; said first adhered section is adhered to the receiving surfaceof the object; said second adhered section is adhered to the receivingsurface of the object; the removable covering comprises a primary tab;and said primary tab and said first free section are connected toopposite ends of said first adhered section.
 6. The removable coveringaccording to claim 2, wherein: said first adhered section is releasablyadhered to the object by an adhesive layer on the object; and theremovable covering is configured so that the adhesive layer remains onthe object when said first adhered section is removed from the object.7. The removable covering according to claim 2, wherein: the removablecovering comprises a tab; said tab and said first free section areconnected to opposite ends of said first adhered section; and said tabprotrudes angularly outwardly from an end of said opposite ends of saidfirst adhered section.
 8. The removable covering according to claim 1,wherein the force required to remove the removable covering from theobject varies at different zones of attachment between the removablecovering and the object.
 9. The removable covering according to claim 8,wherein the force required to remove the removable covering from theobject is greatest at a second to last zone of said zones of attachment.10. The removable covering according to claim 1, wherein the removablecovering is adhered to the object such that resistance to removal of theremovable covering from the object varies at different zones ofattachment between the removable covering and the object.
 11. Theremovable covering according to claim 10, wherein the removable coveringis adhered to the object such that resistance to removal of theremovable covering from the object is greatest at a second to last zoneof said zones of attachment.
 12. The removable covering according toclaim 1, wherein: the object comprises a receiving surface; and theremovable covering comprises (i) a left side that covers one half of theobject's receiving surface and (ii) a right side that covers the otherhalf of the object's receiving surface; wherein the removable covering'sleft side comprises the same components as the removable covering'sright side.
 13. The removable covering according to claim 1, whereinsaid first adhered section has a surface of varying textures that facesthe object such that the removable covering's resistance to removal fromthe object varies.
 14. The removable covering according to claim 1,wherein said first adhered section has a surface comprising a variedrelease coating that faces the object such that the removable covering'sresistance to removal from the object varies.
 15. The removable coveringaccording to claim 1, wherein the removable covering is less elasticthan the object.
 16. The removable covering according to claim 1,wherein the thickness of the removable covering varies along a surfaceof the object such that the removable covering's resistance to removalfrom the object varies.
 17. A substantially planar removable coveringfor an object, comprising: a first free section that is not adhered tothe object; a second free section that is not adhered to the object; afirst adhered section that is adhered to the object; and a secondadhered section that is adhered to the object; wherein said firstadhered section and said second adhered section are connected toopposite ends of said first free section; wherein said first freesection and said second free section are connected to opposite ends ofsaid second adhered section; wherein said second free section ispositioned between said first free section and said second adheredsection; wherein the removable covering is sufficiently flexible toallow at least partial removal of said first adhered section from theobject by application of a force to the removable covering; and whereinthe force required to remove the removable covering from the objectvaries at different zones of attachment between the removable coveringand the object.
 18. The removable covering according to claim 17,wherein the force required to remove the removable covering from theobject is greatest at a second to last zone of said zones of attachment.19. A substantially planar removable covering for an object, comprising:a first free section that is not adhered to the object; a second freesection that is not adhered to the object; a first adhered section thatis adhered to the object; and a second adhered section that is adheredto the object; wherein said first adhered section and said secondadhered section are connected to opposite ends of said first freesection; wherein said first free section and said second free sectionare connected to opposite ends of said second adhered section; whereinsaid second free section is positioned between said first free sectionand said second adhered section; wherein the removable covering issufficiently flexible to allow at least partial removal of said firstadhered section from the object by application of a force to theremovable covering; and wherein the removable covering is adhered to theobject such that resistance to removal of the removable covering fromthe object varies at different zones of attachment between the removablecovering and the object.
 20. The removable covering according to claim19, wherein the removable covering is adhered to the object such thatresistance to removal of the removable covering from the object isgreatest at a second to last zone of said zones of attachment.